HGV Driver Praises M6 Staff for Life-Saving Actions Amid Ambulance Delays
A lorry driver who suffered a stroke while travelling on the M6 has praised staff at Keele Services for saving his life after being told an ambulance would take “several hours” to arrive. Vince McLeod, 57, realised he had lost the ability to speak and use his right arm after stopping at the service station on 2 December.
Despite making a 999 call at 7:58pm, West Midlands Ambulance Service warned of a potential four-hour wait due to severe pressures that evening. However, quick-thinking staff at Keele Services stepped in to help. Manager Karen Francis, a former nurse, and KFC first-aider Bronwyn Ward ensured Vince received urgent medical attention.
“I was delivering beer from Glasgow when I began to feel unwell,” said Vince. “By the time I reached Keele Services, I couldn’t speak or move my arm. I texted 999 and my boss, but when I learned about the ambulance delay, I knew I needed help fast. Karen and Bronwyn were incredible. Karen called Bron’s partner, who drove me to hospital immediately.”
Bronwyn, who had recently completed her first-aid training, added: “It was a nerve-wracking experience. We knew he couldn’t wait hours for help. My partner and I got him to A&E where he was treated right away. It was a team effort, and I’m so glad we could make a difference.”
Vince was prioritised upon arrival at A&E and underwent immediate treatment, including a scan and medication. He credited the service staff for their decisive actions, which prevented permanent damage. “They saved my life and my future,” Vince said. “Without their intervention, the outcome could have been catastrophic.”
Now home and undergoing rehabilitation, Vince is making remarkable progress. “It’s tough, but I’m determined. I’ve already improved so much, and I view this as another challenge to overcome.”
The ambulance service, meanwhile, acknowledged the delay, attributing it to severe handover delays at hospitals. On the same day, 2,329 hours of ambulance time were lost due to these bottlenecks. A spokesperson expressed regret, saying: “We deeply apologise to patients experiencing long waits. Handover delays directly impact our ability to respond quickly to emergencies.”
They added: “Our teams are working tirelessly to address these issues, but we need the entire health and social care system to work together to improve response times.”
Vince now hopes to secure formal recognition for Karen and Bronwyn. “I want them to receive the credit they deserve. They went above and beyond, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.”
