A North East ASDA worker has been hailed as an “everyday hero” after becoming a great friend and support network to an 85-year-old customer – which includes driving her 60 miles to hospital.

Over the last couple of years, Pauline Martin, who works in the supermarket brand’s Tweedmouth store, near Berwick-Upon-Tweed, has befriended customer Helen Johnson, 85, as well as chipping in to drop off shopping at her home, calling in for a chat and joining her on days out.

On a recent visit to her home, Pauline was concerned about how Helen looked as she didn't seem herself.

She phoned NHS 111 who advised her to take Helen to the local hospital in Berwick upon Tweed to be checked over.

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They discovered that she was badly dehydrated and needed to be taken to the A&E department at the much bigger Cramlington Hospital some 60 miles south for treatment.

As the wait for an ambulance or patient transport was going to be at least a couple of hours Pauline decided to drive her there herself.

Pauline stayed with her until they got her settled, which was in the early hours of the morning, before heading home.

She then visited her regularly and brought her presents from colleagues as she celebrated her 85th birthday in hospital.

She said: "I just felt it was the right thing to do. It took us about an hour and a quarter to get there, but I didn't mind one bit. It was good that Helen had some company.

The Northern Echo: Pauline always makes sure Helen is taken care of. She has now been nominated for a store award. Picture: ASDAPauline always makes sure Helen is taken care of. She has now been nominated for a store award. Picture: ASDA

"Helen is a lovely lady and I love her to bits. Colleagues at our store are like a second family to her. She loves us all here and we love her – she's got such a wicked sense of humour.

"All the colleagues at the store look out for her and always take her shopping out to her car for her.

"She's out of hospital and back home but hasn't been back at the store yet so I'm getting her shopping for her and taking it round."

Helen, whose close family live in Australia, added: "Pauline is more than an angel – she's got two sets of wings! She is fantastic. She's just a super, super person.

"Driving me all that way to hospital was just amazing. I can't fault her at all."

Pauline has now been nominated for an Asda service superstar award, with her manager, Tracy Spratt, saying: "Pauline is such a caring person and is a credit to the store. She will do anything to help anyone.

"She gets on great with all the customers here and you can hear her infectious laugh all over the store."

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