Dialysis patient’s thanks

THE phrase “everybody needs good neighbours” has never been truer for a Grotton pensioner who needs regular life-saving treatment.

Asimes Chakrabarti, of Thornley Park Road, travels to Rochdale for dialysis three times a week.

The 74-year-old retired doctor, who has suffered from kidney failure for the past four years, was unable to get out for treatment on Tuesday so an ambulance was called yesterday to take him to hospital, but the emergency vehicle got stuck on the street.

The ambulance crew struggled to get the vehicle moving but it proved mission impossible and they were about to call Oldham Mountain Rescue Team when kind-hearted neighbours stepped in to help.

A team of 12 elderly residents shovelled snow out of the way and helped to push the ambulance out on to the main road, meaning Mr Chakrabarti could attend his dialysis appointment.

Mr Chakrabarti’s wife, Carol, a retired nurse, said: “It was extremely frightening.”

“If he doesn’t have his treatment it is a life- threatening situation so missing his treatment could have killed him.

“We have lived here for more than 30 years and always have a problem when it snows.

“Our neighbours really were fantastic and I am very grateful for all their vital help.”