Kind stranger's act of generosity

Tony Jones, an Emergency Medical Technician for North West Ambulance Service

A kind stranger’s act of generosity has restored an Emergency Medical Technician's faith in humanity.

Tony Jones, an Emergency Medical Technician for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), was beginning a shift when he stopped to fuel his car at the Texaco Garage on Halifax Road on Sunday evening (28 January).

However, when he went to pay he discovered that the kind-hearted stranger in front of him, Tony Coray, had already covered the costs for him.

Mr Jones, who lives in Rochdale, said: “I was completely stumped for words and taken back by such a gesture. I went outside and thanked him, where he told me that NWAS do a fantastic job and it is the least he could do for people who do such an important job. He wished me a very safe night shook my hand and drove off.”

He said: “I would like to thank Tony for such a nice gesture. On behalf of myself and the rest of NWAS, and all other ambulance services up and down the country, it’s our absolute pleasure.”

Mr Jones’ job as an EMT sees him work 13 12-hour shifts each month, working both days and nights over a four-week rolling period. Despite being based in Rossendale, his role can see him respond to emergencies anywhere between Manchester and Blackpool.

Mr Jones added: “I only do what thousands do on a daily basis, and I am very humbled by this action. Morale is low within the ambulance service, due to the pressures of the government.

“It’s about time the country got behind people who sacrifice time away from family, people who work tirelessly without regular breaks, people who are developing mental health problems from a constant bombardment of job after job.”

Tony Coray, who is also from Rochdale, said: “It was just a kind gesture to thank Tony for the service that he and his colleagues provide. I think everyone has needed assistance from the ambulance service at one time in their life: it is both under-appreciated and under-valued. I just can not believe the response one kind act has had.”