Hero postie to the rescue

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/sevenoaks/H ... ticle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A HERO postman on his morning round broke down a door and saved the life of a frail pensioner he saw lying on the floor of her home.

Jeremy Lefevre was delivering junk mail to Sennocke Court, Sevenoaks, when he heard a shout for help from Doris Haywood, 88.

He raised the alarm and, with his boss Steven Beresford, smashed into the ground floor flat at around 7.45am on Monday.

She had tripped and spent several days lying on the floor waiting to be rescued.

Mr Lefevre had been on his round when he heard Mrs Haywood's cries for help.

The 43-year-old father-of-two said: "I thought it was my mates having a laugh, but I couldn't see anyone so I climbed on to a hedge and saw Mrs Haywood lying on the kitchen floor.

"I peered through the letterbox and could hear her shouting 'Are you there?'"

Mr Lefevre called an ambulance before calling Mr Beresford, who rushed from the Sevenoaks Post Office in South Park to the scene to help.

When he arrived, the pair broke down the door to Mrs Haywood's flat.

"I came in, and told her not to move in case she had any neck problems, and asked her how long she had been there for," said Mr Lefevre.

Tripped

"She wasn't sure, but said it was light when she had tripped and fallen.

"She was confused and cold, so I put a dressing gown over her to keep her warm, sat behind her to support her and put a cushion underneath her."

Mr Lefevre, who is also a retained firefighter at Seal Fire Station, made use of his first aid training and found Mrs Haywood had no broken bones.

She was rushed by ambulance to the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.

On Tuesday hospital spokesman Heidi Bullimore said: "They definitely saved her life. If they hadn't gone in, I don't know how long she would have stayed there.

"I heard she had fallen a few days previously. She hadn't eaten or had a drink for a few days."

She added Mrs Haywood was making a good recovery.

Doctors intend to keep her in hospital to monitor blood sugar levels before allowing her home.

Mrs Haywood, who did not want to comment, could have to pick up the bill to fix her front door, although boxing fan Mr Lefevre hopes a friend will do it for free.

The pair of posties had been surprised when, after breaking in, they called the police to come and secure the property only to be told it was not a police matter.

Chief Insp Jon Clayden said later: "Staff at the force communications centre were in contact with the ambulance service, who confirmed that police were not required and the security of the property was being dealt with."

Back at the Royal Mail, Mr Lefevre is the toast of his colleagues.

Union rep Cliff Brooks said: "We're proud of him. It's what the public want from us.

"They want to see a friendly postman looking out for them."

Mrs Haywood's family is believed to live in the West Country.

Sevenoaks Age Concern urged people to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours, especially while the bad weather lasts.

[stokes11eg]

Well done!

[Biker Mouse]

Nice one! You're a credit!

[packmule]

Fantastic

[smokerjim]

Teebs - you're a git! I was looking for that story yesterday on the Courier's website & you've beat me to it today! Anyway, I've not had a chance to ask Jer about it - but I'd bet my meal relief that Skinny ( the lineo ) did the square root of jack all ( unless Jer used him as a battering ram to open the door )

[Darren Bent]

Where are the local community or neighbours keeping an eye open for her.

[Wessex]

Well done that postie