A ‘HERO’ delivery driver is taking to the stage as a pantomime baddie – just weeks after scooping an award recognising his kind-heartedness.
Marcus Ridley from Leamington saw a smash on the M40 near Banbury last August and got out to check no one was hurt. He found a shaken mum and her baby in the car.
The 29-year-old remained with the pair until emergency services arrived, before continuing to finish his round – even delivering his parcels on time.
The driver was so thankful someone had stopped that she later put out a plea on Facebook in a bid to find Marcus and thank him.
She wrote: “He was absolutely fantastic when someone crashed into my car with my baby on board.
“He stayed with us until the emergency services arrived and made sure we were both safe and even helped redirect traffic while people were cursing and beeping their horns at us for being stuck in the middle of the M40 roundabout.
“He deserves a medal. We need more people like him.”
And the mum got her wish after Marcus – a delivery driver for Yodel – was named as winner in the National Couriers Awards.
He scooped the award for his commitment to the local community and the safe and timely delivery of parcels.
She added: “Through the power of social media our hero was found and his boss contacted me and said he would be rewarded for his kindness. Finally Marcus has been rewarded – well done.”
And in direct contrast to his day job as a ‘hero’ delivery driver, Marcus will be taking to the stage at the Priory Theatre in Kenilworth as the Baron in pantomime Puss in Boots.
Marcus said: “After I saw the incident I knew that I should check on the drivers to make sure they were okay. Everyone else seemed to be getting frustrated but that wasn’t going to help the situation, especially with a baby involved. I managed to deliver my parcels on time but, most importantly, everyone involved in the crash was safe.
“I was delighted to win the award. It was a great night, attended by people from all over the country. I still can’t believe I’m a winner.”
