Sussex Bin Men Celebrated After Aiding Fallen Elderly Women

Friday, 8 January 2021 06:00

By Karen Dunn - Local Democracy Reporter

Five bin men proved themselves to be Christmas angels after leaping into action to help two women who had fallen in Worthing and Shoreham.

The men, from two crews, were working on the same chilly day in December when they went to the women’s aid – one an 89-year-old.

They have been recognised for their actions with framed certificates of thanks from Andy McGregor, chairman of Adur District Council, and Lionel Harman, mayor of Worthing.

Wayne Slender, Guy Olliver and Colin Wigham were working in Hammy Way, Shoreham, when they found the 89-year-old.

They stayed with her for an hour, covering her with their jackets to keep her warm until an ambulance arrived.

When asked about their actions, the unassuming chaps said they were only ‘doing their duty’.

Meanwhile, Nigel Dunnbar and Steve Nash were working in Ophir Road, Worthing, when they found a woman lying in her driveway next to her bins.

The pair got her back into her house, made sure she was warmed up and cared for her while waiting for the ambulance.

As modest as their Shoreham colleagues, the pair insisted that leaving her was ‘not an option’.

After presenting the certificates, Mr McGregor, said:

“Not only are Wayne, Guy and Colin doing a fantastic job on behalf of the councils during the Covid emergency – but they are going above and beyond to help their community.

“I applaud them for stopping to help the elderly woman in need and making her comfortable until the emergency services arrived.

“They are being given presents and biscuits, so I think the public really do know that these guys are doing an amazing job during difficult circumstances.”

Mr Harman added:

“For Nigel and Steve to step up and act fast when they encountered the woman lying on her driveway shows such kindness, as well as their commitment to the people of Worthing.

“It was very important for us to come out and recognise these members of staff, and give them the thank yous they deserve. It’s stories like this which brighten up the day during such difficult times.”