CHIVALRY is alive and well in Southampton!

Ask Margaret Tayan an epileptic who was taken ill while out shopping. She was rescued by a mystery stranger and now that she has recovered she wants to thank her Good Samaritan personally.

Margaret, a mother of two children, has suffered epilepsy since recovering from a major illness.

She was in the city centre when she suddenly became dazed and disorientated.

Fearing the onset of a fit or that she might collapse, Margaret, who lives in Botley, had to sit down on a display unit in British Home Stores. She felt sure she would be carted off to hospital and did nothing to alert staff.

"I didn't want to be sent to hospital but knew they would have to send for an ambulance because of their health and safety regulations," said Margaret.

She said: "I felt too ill to move and knew I couldn't cope on my own. I could sense everybody walking past but then this old gentleman came along, raised his hat to me and said: 'Good afternoon, madam. You really don't look well. Can I help you' "I felt so ill I just burst into tears."

The gentleman, who looked to be in his seventies and was wearing a green tweed coat, green gloves and a hat with a feather in it, offered Margaret his arm and took her out into the fresh air.

The stranger, who said he lived in the city centre, somewhere near the Kingsland area, sat her down in the precinct while he found out when her next bus home was due before escorting her on to it. Margaret said: "He was absolutely lovely. You hear so much about avoiding strangers but I felt so totally safe with him looking after me.

Do you know who the Good Samaritan is Call Malcolm Prior at the Daily Echo on 01703-614271.

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