Comfort in a crisis

Two compassionate postmen from Nottinghamshire have been praised for their actions in helping a pensioner shortly before his death.

Azize Bawamia (pictured) and Chris Ward were out on their round when they saw Joseph Bell fall in Forest Town near Mansfield.

Former lifeguard Azize used his first-aid training to assess Mr Bell’s condition before helping him to his feet.

‘He was bleeding from his forehead but regained consciousness quite quickly and seemed coherent,’ said Azize. ‘I asked him a few basic questions to keep him talking and he kept saying, “Can you please get me home”.’

Azize and Chris walked Mr Bell the short distance to his house where they told his wife what had happened. ‘We made sure his wife knew we were worried about him and to call the ambulance straight away,’ said Azize.

‘But when we got back to the office the police were waiting to speak to us. Sadly, he had died not long after we left the house.’

Shortly afterwards, Mr Bell’s grandson Gareth Peace emailed Group CEO Rico Back. ‘The actions of your employees cannot be praised enough,’ he wrote. ‘My grandmother and the family have taken great comfort from the fact that my grandfather was not alone – and that’s all down to the fact your staff were there to help.’

Azize added: ‘A couple of weeks later, I delivered a parcel to Mr Bell’s wife and passed on my condolences. She said she was very grateful for what we had done for her husband and that she believed we had been sent to take him home.’