Steve's 'gut instinct' helps him save elderly customer's life

Home shopping driver Steve Southall from our Queslett store suspected something was wrong when he called at an 84-year-old customer's home – so went back to check on him, raised the alarm and saved his life.

Steve visited at the gentleman's home to deliver his shopping. When he knocked on the door the customer told him to leave the groceries on the doorstep, which he did.

But Steve was worried about the customer, so after completing deliveries to a number of other customers in the area, he returned to the gentleman's home to check in on him.

Steve, who's 64 and has worked at the store for seven years, 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. 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, who has a number of health issues including diabetes, is now recovering after spending time in intensive care.

The man's nephew, who does the online order for his uncle, said: "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."

Steve said: "I’m glad I checked up on him and good job I did. I’m so happy he’s now on the mend."

Store manager Gavin Buxton, who has nominated Steve for an Asda service superstar award, said: "We're all so proud of Steve. If he hadn't have 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."