Firefighters save the day (From Free Press Series)

Firefighters save the day

CWMBRAN cancer patient Terrence Nash's smile says it all.

He can't thank three firefighters enough - because they saved his life and allowed him to spend a precious Christmas at home with his family.

Mr Nash, 67, who was diagnosed with lung cancer just six weeks ago, had been buying petrol at the Shell garage on Henllys Way opposite Cwmbran fire station when he started coughing up blood.

His lung had burst and his life was in danger. Mr Nash's son, Carl, said it was thanks to the firemen that his dad lived to see Christmas at home with his family.

Mr Nash junior said: "I happened to be driving past. "My father couldn't get the petrol cap off and I pulled in behind him to help. He went in to pay and when he came out, he had blood in his hand. He went to spit on the floor and blood came up.

"I went back in the garage to phone an ambulance and saw three firemen coming across the road. They took control of the situation and gave him oxygen.

"I just want to say 'thank you' to them because if it wasn't for them he wouldn't have pulled through."

Sub officer Jan Bushell said: "Firefighter Matt Taylor noticed that somebody was in difficulty at the petrol station. He was joined by firefighters Stuart Bruton and Andrew Richards and they resuscitated Mr Nash by applying oxygen therapy.

"It was obvious that he was suffering major problems and in a case like this, any extra oxygen is going to assist. It is very nice of them to thank us," he added.

The incident happened on December 16 and Mr Nash was allowed home to The Circle, St Dials, from hospital in time for Christmas.

His son said: "He's not too bad at the moment and they're letting him stay home for the time being. "When he was diagnosed, we set ourselves up for the worst - that he may only have a couple of years left - then this happens three weeks later. I was shell shocked."