From saving a pensioner who had collapsed to talking a woman out of a driving into a lake – it’s all in a day’s work for Black Country postmen.
Now Tony Malcolm, Swinder Dhillon and Kevin Johnson are among nine posties in the running for Royal Mail’s 1st Class People Awards after being nominated as unsung heroes by customers and colleagues.
While out on his rounds in Coven Heath last October, Wolverhampton-born Tony became concerned that a pensioner who waved to him each morning was nowhere to be seen.
The 53-year-old, from Walsall, looked through the woman’s window to see her lying on the floor. After forcing his way in, he called an ambulance and paramedics discovered she had fallen into a diabetic coma.
Tony said: “Sadly, she died in January and I never got to see her after because she went into a home. I was very surprised to hear about the awards but I’m grateful to everyone who voted.”
Kevin Johnson stopped a woman from taking her own life after she threatened to drive her car into a lake in Great Barr.
The 48-year-old spent more than two hours blocking her path.Kevin bumped into the woman months later who thanked him. He has since received a police commendation.
Swinder Dhillon, of Broadway, Walsall, was driving to London with his wife and daughter last October on a wet Sunday morning. He pulled three Leicester students to safety after their car was involved in an horrific accident following a double tyre blow-out on the motorway. Swinder got the women out of the window as the doors were jammed and the trio escaped with minor injuries and shock. The 58-year-old said: “About 40 to 50 cars went by but I was the only who stopped.”
Each of the shortlisted workers will receive an initial prize of £100 and judges will choose three regional winners. They will receive a cheque for £500 and a trophy. A national ceremony will be held on March 30 during which winners will each receive £1,000. The overall winner will enjoy a luxury holiday with spending money.
well done
