by Gareth Cross
A Derry man whose quick thinking saved the life of an elderly woman told yesterday of the amazing reaction he has received since the incident happened.
While out driving, Christy Tarr noticed a woman slumped in her car and couldn't shake the feeling that something was badly wrong.
The woman had been driving on the main road between Greysteel and Campsie and had to pull over after feeling unwell.
Christy rushed to her aid and after making sure she was okay took her to her daughter's workplace and she was then transported to hospital.
It was only after the incident that Christy realised how serious the woman's condition was.
She was having serious heart problems that left her at risk of a stroke, and the woman's family said that by getting her to safety Christy may have saved her life.
The woman's daughter posted on social media to pay tribute to Christy and he told the Derry News that the reaction has been overwhelming.
He said that the woman is now recovering in hospital and is doing much better.
"It's crazy the way it has exploded, I've been inundated with messages and 'thank you's' from the family, and the post on Facebook has received thousands of likes and shares," Christy said.
"I didn't really think much of it at the time, I was only doing what any other person would have done.
"It was only after what happened that I found out the woman was having heart issues which could have led to a stroke.
"I'm glad I found her when I did because she had a large amount of cash on her and was completely disorientated and someone could have taken advantage."
'Veered off'
Christy said that the woman's car got his attention while he was heading out to do some Christmas shopping.
"The car was parked on the left of a dual carriageway," he said, "and I noticed an older lady sitting in the driver's seat. There was a lot of traffic around.
"I wasn't sure what had happened but it looked like the car had veered off the road.
"I slowed down and I knew to look something wasn't right, it played on my mind and I went up and around the roundabout. I couldn't shake the feeling I had to go back."
He said that he realised the woman was in distress.
"I saw her holding on to the steering wheel with her head down, she was trying to get out of the car and get someone's attention but I sat her back down on the seat," Christy explained.
"I asked if she wanted me to phone an ambulance but she handed her phone with her daughter's number, I didn't think she could see and I was trying to find out if she needed any medication.
"There was no answer on the phone but she said her daughter lived in Eglinton, so I parked her car and and got her into my jeep."
Ambulance
Christy said the woman was heavily disorientated.
"She was unable to tell me where to go but she mentioned that her daughter had a salon in the area and I remembered there was one locally," he explained.
"I still thought she may need an ambulance as she was beginning to show the warning signs of a stroke but she said she wanted to go to her daughter.
"I went into the clinic and found the woman's daughter, and we brought her in and an ambulance was sent for.
"I thought my good deed was done for the day so I left the family who were very upset."
The woman's daughter then posted an appeal on Facebook wanting to thank Christy for his actions.
'Chuffed'
"The next thing I heard about it I got a load of tags on Facebook and was invited to meet the family," he said.
"They thanked me for everything I had done and gave me a meal voucher, I was really chuffed.
"It was very dramatic but she's on the mend and is stable in hospital. It was very weird I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
"I was just in the right place at the right time."
The lady's daughter paid tribute to Christy for his actions.
"There is still some kind, caring and thoughtful people out there. This chap went well beyond a good deed to help this elderly lady who was in major distress," she said.
"This could have had a different ending if this young man hadn’t stopped and helped this elderly lady."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.