An Asda delivery driver is being hailed by locals after he saved the life of a shopper when he had a “gut feeling” that something was not right.
Steve Southall, who works at the Queslett Road Asda store in Great Barr, became worried when an 84-year-old regular customer unusually asked him to leave his shopping at the front door.
He went on to complete the rest of his deliveries before coming back to check on the pensioner, to find the bags were still on the man’s doorstep.
Police were alerted, and officers found the resident “unconscious and cold” and he was rushed to hospital, where he is still recovering.
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Mr Southall has worked for the store for over seven years and said: “I had a gut feeling that something was wrong; I wasn't happy about it and when I went back the shopping was still on the doorstep.
“I knocked on the door and shouted but no reply. He normally comes to the door, bless him.
“I phoned the man's number and I could hear it in the house, but he didn't answer.
“I then called the customer's nephew as I had his number too.
Steve Southall has been hailed or his actions after helping an elderly man whilst on shift
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“He tried to get in touch with his uncle but couldn't, so he called the police and they managed to get in. He was unconscious and cold.”
The customer has a number of health conditions, including diabetes, and is now recovering after spending time in intensive care.
The man’s nephew, who orders the online shops for his uncle, told Birminghamlive: “My uncle is quite stubborn and won't ask for help, so if it wasn't for Steve going back to check on him and calling me, then I don't think my uncle would be here today.
“He saved his life.”
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Steve Southall drove back to check on the elderly man, potentially saving his life
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Mr Southall concluded: “I’m glad I checked up on him and good job I did. I’m so happy he’s now on the mend.”
Queslett Road store manager Gavin Buxton, nominated Mr Southall for an Asda service award.
He said: “We're all so proud of Steve. If he hadn't done what he did, the customer probably would not be alive today.
“Steve's a very respected driver here who always goes above and beyond for customers and colleagues.
“He's really outgoing and bubbly.”