Lorry driver is giving back to Lincolnshire based medical charity

A heart attack patient, who has raised almost £2,000 for charity, has been reunited with the volunteer who came to him in his hour of need.
Shelley Grant, LIVES first responder, was first on the scene when Toby Cooley (right) was taken ill at home.Shelley Grant, LIVES first responder, was first on the scene when Toby Cooley (right) was taken ill at home.
Shelley Grant, LIVES first responder, was first on the scene when Toby Cooley (right) was taken ill at home.

In November 2015, Toby Cooley, a lorry driver from Boston, fell unwell at home and dialed 999 for assistance.

Shelley Grant, a first responder for Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES), arrived within minutes and provided care until paramedics were on the scene.

After LIVES helped him in his hour of need, Toby decided to raise funds for the charity, so dedicated volunteers like Shelley can help others in need of medical assistance.

Toby and fellow trucker Paul Smith, from Boston, held a rock ‘n’ roll night at Hubbert’s Bridge last month, with proceeds going to LIVES.

Guest appearances at the event included Rick Yemm, star of Ice Road Truckers, and Russell Oliver, from UK Shipping Wars.

Toby said: “It was absolutely brilliant. We had 160 to 165 people, it was a good turn out.”

Krys Mitchell, community liaison officer for LIVES, attended and said: “It was lovely to see so many people turn up and support both Toby and ourselves.”

A total of £1,853 was raised, and on Friday Toby and Rick visited LIVES offices in Horncastle to present the cheque.

Shelley and Toby were reunited at the hand over. Toby said: “It was so nice to meet someone who has gone out of their way to help others.”

LIVES chief executive Nikki Silver said: “Our volunteer responders are out there day in day out, helping people in their local communities.

“Although they don’t expect any praise or recognition for the work they do, to have Toby want to raise some funds to help us keep responders on the road is fantastic and we’re incredibly grateful to him and his friends for their donation.”

Toby added: “LIVES is an amazing charity, I cannot praise them enough.”