Award says life-saving postman is first class

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A DUNDEE postman who saved a disorientated pensioner’s life while out on his daily round was yesterday recognised at an awards ceremony in London.

Darren Lee spotted Muirhead woman Nancy Gibb (80), wandering outside in the rain and took it upon himself to make sure she got home safe.

The 40-year-old took Mrs Gibb back to her house where he noticed a strong smell of gas coming from an unlit burner on the cooker in the kitchen.

The quick-thinking postie entered the house and switched off the stove before returning to wait with Mrs Gibb until a neighbour arrived and took her to hospital for a check-up.

Darren was put forward for the Royal Mail First Class People bravery award by another regular on his round impressed by his efforts.

Mr Lee—who has been described by a grateful Mrs Gibb as a “great man” who saved her life—was in London yesterday to collect his accolade from TV presenter Christine Bleakley.

Modest Darren—who works out of the Dundee West delivery office and still sees Mrs Gibb regularly—said he was delighted to receive the award.

“I am over the moon but feel embarrassed as well by achieving something from somebody’s misfortune,” he said.

“I have been told by neighbours (of Mrs Gibb) not to be so stupid as I probably averted a major gas explosion.

“I am still on the same delivery and see Mrs Gibb mostly every day and she is doing very well. I keep in touch just to make sure she is keeping okay.”

Ian McKay, director of Scottish Affairs, Royal Mail Group, said Darren had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

He said, “Darren is highly deserving of this award. I am delighted that he is being rewarded for the fantastic response he showed when confronted with such a difficult situation.

“Because our people make daily deliveries to all 2.5 million addresses in Scotland they will often be the first to discover an accident, fire, or someone taken ill, and are quick to respond.”

Miss Bleakley added, “In the UK, our postmen and women are a group of very remarkable people who contribute so much to our society. Their acts of kindness, fund-raising and commitment to volunteering, make a real difference to the local communities where they live and work.”