Kindness was a lucky break

Judy Slawinski said she and her husband, Johnny, were overwhelmed by the caring people who rushed to help.

“It was a truly memorable day.” said Mrs Slawinski. “First and foremost about local folk putting others first.”

After collapsing at the bus stop near Cafe Boo in the town centre, Mr Slawinski is well again.

But his wife hasn’t been so lucky. While helping make him comfortable after he collapsed, she tripped and broke her left wrist. “It’s incredible that in some ways I’ve ended up the worst,” said the 63-year-old former Mirfield Free Grammar School teacher. “But the smile is back on our faces.”

While waiting for the bus, Mr Slawinski suddenly felt strange and fell backwards.

Mrs Slawinski said: “A lovely man, smashing chap, came to help as I couldn’t lift my husband from the ground. We got him into the cafe and on to a chair. Everyone was marvellous and called for an ambulance.

“The cafe is only small and people were eating and I felt dreadful disturbing them.”

An ambulance took Mr Slawinski to Dewsbury and District Hospital to be checked out.

“But I never got chance to say thank you to all those who helped. We owe them so much. Cafe Boo suspended business to concentrate on us and that was wonderful in this day and age.

“Everyone was brilliant. We must remember that most people are good-hearted, especially in times of difficulty.”