Woman helps man and dog keep warm in Darlington during middle of night

When Lee Rowland, from Darlington, was driving home after work at roughly 2:30am on Monday morning (May 22) she noticed an elderly man and his dog waiting at a bus stop on North Road.

Instantly knowing something wasn’t right, she stopped and asked the man if he was in need of assistance.

Ms Rowland, who works as a lorry driver, called the police and while waiting for them, she got the elderly man, Phil, and his dog, Ted, into her car to keep warm.

Phil and Ted were standing at a bus stop on North Road at 2:30am on Monday, May 22, before they were helped by a good Samaritan. Picture: Lee Rowland (Image: Lee Rowland)

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Ms Rowland told The Northern Echo: “I saw him, and I knew that it wasn’t right because there’s no buses at 2:30 in the morning and I just knew I had to go turn round and see if he as okay.

“He was quite confused and we had a chat and tried to see if he had his keys or anything with his address on. He was crying and the dog was crying, it was freezing.

“He asked me to drop him off but I knew that there was more going on, so I called the police and sat in my car in the warm for about half an hour until they turned up.

“He wanted the dog to have the comfy seat and he sat in the back, bless him.”

Phil and Ted are fortunately now home. Picture: Lee Rowland (Image: Lee Rowland)

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Ms Rowland posted about the incident on the Facebook group, You Know You’re From Darlo When.

She wrote: “Around 02:30 this morning on my way home from work I saw an elderly gentleman and his dog Ted, sitting in a bus stop.

“It didn't sit right with me so I turned around the roundabout a went back to see him.

“They were both shivering so hard and Ted the dog was crying and cuddling into me so hard.

“After putting them both in my car and putting the heating on I called the police.

“We had a good chat for half hour while we waited for the police as the elderly gentleman was very confused.

“If you know who he is it might be worth giving Darlington police station a call as he gave 3 different addresses to me and them. He didn't have any keys, wallet or a phone and he didn't know his own name.

“He was a lovely man and what a pleasure it was chatting to him.

“As for Ted the dog, I fell in love instantly.

“I hope they get home.”

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The act of kindness touched the local community, with her post being shared 326 times.

Peter Giroux said: “You are an absolute angel, well done for doing the right thing.”

Jackie Turnbull said: “Well done, what a lovely thing to do, bless you.”

Ingrid McLean said: “It’s nice to know there’s some lovely people about.”

Ms Rowland has now become something of a local celebrity after being recognised in her local Asda when a shopper came up to her and said: “So how is he?” 

Within 24 hours of posting about it, Ms Rowland posted an update reading: “I managed to get Phils address. Just been to see him and Ted. What a lovely pair. Both happy to see me and very thankful.

“Phil remembered who I was which was nice. Said I'd pop in every now and again for a cuppa.”