‘Postmen saved my husband’s life’, says Langlees wife after man suffered stroke in garden

Edward Hunter, known as Eddie, had been cutting the grass last Thursday morning when he collapsed in his front garden.

Fortunately, two Royal Mail workers who were on shift nearby came rushing to the 75-year-old’s aid.

His distraught wife, Valerie, had been working in a back room at their Lomond Drive home and knew nothing about Mr Hunter’s fall until one of the postmen chapped the door.

The first postie on the scene had already called for an ambulance, while his colleague stayed with Mr Hunter and kept him awake.

Although Mrs Hunter, 70, knows only the pair’s first names, she is certain of the part the duo – who wish to remain anonymous – played in keeping her husband alive.

She said: “The two postmen saved my husband’s life.

“They took care of him, phoned the ambulance and sat with him.

“One who had come past, seen him in the garden and phoned for an ambulance right away. I was working in the back room – I didn’t know.

“The postman got him lying in the front garden and phoned for the ambulance, then he phoned the other, who’s our postman.

“I noticed right away he’d had a stroke because his mouth was all to the side and he couldn’t talk. The second postie was kneeling down and keeping him awake.

“I genuinely don’t know how I can thank them enough. They’re fabulous.

“My eldest grandson went to school and wanted to make a card for his granddad and a thank you card for the postmen.

“The way they reacted, they deserved a medal for what they did. They saved his life because he could’ve died in that front garden.

“I’m going to write to Royal Mail because I want them to know what these posties have done. They’re so attentive and very, very good with us.”

Mr Hunter, who has lived in Langlees for 49 years, is still being treated at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.

His family, including sons Allan and Iain and three grandchildren, has been unable to visit due to current coronavirus restrictions.

Although he was recently diagnosed with asbestosis and has arthritis in his knee, news of Mr Hunter’s stroke shocked all who knew him as he was known for his active lifestyle.

His wife continued: “He’s been healthy and he’s always on the go. We’re just shocked.

“He’s got no movement in his arm and his speech is still slurred. There’s no sign of any more bleeding.

“He’s to go on aspirin for the next two weeks.”

Mrs Hunter added: “The doctors have been fabulous, phoning me at home because we can’t get in to see him. All I want is to see him.

“I want to emphasise the work of the paramedics and also the staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. They’ve been first class.”

Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.