Very grateful (From Penarth Times)

Very grateful

THANK you so much all serving ambulance people and paramedics.

I have suffered heart problems since my first heart attack in 1991.

I was 45, bear in mind my father was 41 when he died of coronary heart disease.

I am so grateful to all the ambulance staff and paramedics who have called at my home in times of crisis.

There have been many visits since 1991 and I have had many treatments, culminating in quadruple bypass surgery nearly eight years ago.

That was not the end of my problems - I needed an ambulance while taking Spanish lessons at an adult education session and several times more at my home.

On one occasion it was a good job they came two-handed because my husband needed them almost as much as me, he was in a such a state of panic he was attended by one paramedic and I was attended by another.

This is real, it"s not only the patient who needs care but their partners, some of you can imagine what it"s like to be in these circumstances.

It"s the paramedics or ambulance people who put you at ease when others have no idea, and sometimes your life is in their hands.

I know mine was on more than one occasion.

My husband now says if we win the lottery or have a windfall of any kind he would give to the paramedics, the people who have done so much for us.

Paramedics are life savers, they give confidence and they give you the feeling you are in the best hands.

You know you are, they have state-of-the-art equipment on their vehicles, they are caring people.

After being assessed by doctors they have returned to find out my well being.

They assure you that you are more than a number or a statistic, you are important and they need to know they have been part of your recovery, that makes their shift worthwhile.

I just want to thank you all so very much for my life. I know I would not be here but for you.

Thanks from us both

Marilyn and Jon Bendon

Cornerswell Road

Penarth