Cannock man saved by meals-on-wheels lady

A meals-on-wheels worker saved a retired postman who had collapsed inside his Cannock home, it was revealed today.

Pensioner Paul Roberts had fallen and lay on the floor of his lounge for 12 hours, unable to get up.

On her rounds the next day, Heather Short alerted police after he did not answer the door.

Paramedics broke in and found him semi-conscious and severely dehydrated. The 70-year-old was taken to hospital and has now made a full recovery.

Heather, based at Icare's meals-on-wheels regional headquarters in Hednesford, said: "I had a gut instinct something was wrong when Paul didn't answer the door, he's such a creature of habit. I rang him and got no response, and that's when I contacted the emergency services. I was just happy we were able to help. He's such a lovely man and we always have a chat."

The 46-year-old, of Brindley Cresent, Hednesford, said all staff were trained to spot signals that something may be amiss.

Mr Roberts said: "I kept trying to get up but I couldn't manage it. I was getting sore and tired so I decided to wait where I was and conserve my energy.

"I was very grateful to Heather for doing what she did. I don't know what would have happened if she hadn't realised something was wrong and called for help."