Pensioner's thanks to helpers after city centre fall

AN elderly man is keen to trace two women who came to his aid after he hurt himself while visiting Inverness.

Jack Kennerley (82) of York was visiting the city with his wife Sheila to celebrate her 80th birthday last month before he had a fall near the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

Several people rushed to his aid immediately.

"It did surprise me that people were so helpful and that they did seem so concerned," he said.

Two women wanted to help Mr Kennerley to his feet and one insisted he should go to hospital. He said: "I was a little bit shocked after I fell but I knew that I did not need to go to hospital, I did not break any bones."

One of the ladies who helped Mr Kennerley waited by his side until she was certain that he did not need treatment.

An off-duty taxi driver had also noticed Mr Kennerley fall and rushed over to help him get back onto his feet. The driver at City Taxis, since identified as Rizwan Mohammad (32), tried to call some of his colleagues but they were busy on other jobs.

Mr Kennerley said: "The taxi driver led me to his car and took my wife and I back to the hotel we were staying in."

On arrival at the riverside Palace Hotel and Spa the driver helped Mr Kennerley to the reception area and did not take any money from him.

Mr Kennerley said: "My wife and I are so grateful for the kind lady and the generous taxi driver for their help."

Mr Mohammad said: "I am blessed to be living in this city and I was happy to help him.

"I think it is important to help and be polite to everyone."

Mr and Mrs Kennerley visited Inverness 57 years ago, on their honeymoon.

Mr Kennerley said: "Inverness has not changed much since my last visit all those years ago. There are some shops that were not here the last time, but for the most part it is the way Sheila and I remember it.

"It is a beautiful city and my wife and I enjoyed ourselves on our last visit. People from all over the city were kind."