Basingstoke pensioner searching for kind-hearted strangers

Charles Redford, who has lived in Basingstoke for over 62 years with his loving wife Greta, was putting the lawnmower away at the end of his garden when he tumbled over after tripping over his garden step on Friday, 17 September.

Describing the fall Mr Redford, who previously worked as a carpenter, said his arm went “crashing” into the concrete step and he was left crying for help.

Laying in pain the 88-year-old could not reach his wife, who was inside their home in Denham Drive watching Emmerdale, one of her favourite soaps. She could not hear her husband of nearly 62 years shouting for help.

Charles was overwhelmed when his cry for help was heard by two strangers walking their dog along the path just behind his garden.

Charles said: “They were walking their dog along the path behind the garden, and they must have heard me shouting.

“They came round, and they came into the garden and phoned the ambulance for me.”

The two men along with their wives and dogs then waited with Charles for two hours, until the ambulance arrived.

Charles was also joined by his son and two neighbours Joyce and Ian who came to help.

Charles, who insisted the strangers could leave, was amazed by their kindness when they stayed by his side for the “best part” of two hours.

Charles said it was a lovely feeling to know that people had come just to help him.

His wife Greta added: “I Don’t know what we would have done without them.”

Charles said without them he could have been laying on the concrete for hours unable to get help.

Charles stayed in hospital over night before returning home on Saturday, September 18 and suffered a break to his arm, which is currently in a sling.

He is now recovering well at home.

Charles, who was unable to get the names of the Good Samaritans, wants to get in touch with them to thank them.

Are you one of the people who helped Charles? Contact us newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk