Asda Driver Hailed a Hero After Saving Elderly Customer Who Had Fallen

Joe Wilby, only 19, works at the Asda Westbrook store in Warrington, Cheshire. Joe was delivering groceries to Thomas Ralston’s house. Nobody answered the doorbell at first. Joe felt that something wasn’t right because he knew an elderly couple lived there.

He had delivered to them before, so he looked up the contact number on the form and called Mr. Ralston’s son, Julian. They got a neighbor with a key, and the neighbor opened Mr. Ralston’s front door. They found him hurt after his fall and called for paramedics, keeping him warm until they arrived.

Mr. Ralston is now recovering at home. His daughter, Amanda, praised Joe, saying he “deserved a medal” for his help. She also thanked Joe’s manager for letting him stay to help.

Joe said he knew something felt wrong when he arrived to deliver the groceries and phoned the number for Julian, the customer’s son. Then he got in contact with the neighbor for the key to the house. He found Thomas at the foot of the stairs, awake but shaken.

Joe called 999 for an ambulance and calmed him before paramedics arrived. Thomas’ wife has Alzheimer’s and couldn’t get up. Joe kept her informed and gave Thomas a blanket. He chatted with him while they waited; paramedics arrived in ten minutes.

Mr. Ralston is recovering well and is out of the hospital. Carers are treating his cuts and bruises at home. Joe is just glad he’s doing well and said he did what he felt was the right thing to do.

Mr. Ralston’s son Julian lives far away and believes Joe saved his dad’s life. He was blown away by his kindness, and Joe kept him updated, prioritizing the safety of Julian’s parents.

Joe stayed with Julian’s dad, and a neighbor stayed with his mom, who has Alzheimer’s. The ambulance took his dad to the hospital. After, Joe asked for updates on Thomas.

Connor Naden, the store’s online manager, nominated Joe for an award, saying they’re all proud of him and describing him as helpful and nice.