Last updated 13:31, Thursday, 03 July 2008

I WOULD like to pass on the following: if you are 60 years old and hope to be 70 years old, don’t climb step ladders on Friday the 13th.

I was collected by para-medics who performed their task with friendliness, skill and a high degree of professionalism. The driver proceeded to Hexham General Hospital at a gentle pace, but he could do nothing about the two sets of cobbles lying across Prudhoe Front Street. My back injury felt every one.

During the journey, I had a chance to reflect about the petrol tanker drivers' striking. Apparently they can't make ends meet on £30,000-£40,000 per annum. I don’t know what our paramedics earn but I had the feeling it was not even near to that of tanker drivers.

I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, X-ray department, porters, etc, at Hexham hospital for putting up with my moans and groans in a friendly and again highly professional way.

I know I can be awkward and difficult at times, but these dedicated ladies and gentlemen deserve the highest praise for dealing with me and all the other accidents that were pouring in that morning.

I have forgotten Dan – my neighbour who found me lying, thinking my number was up. What price good neighbours?

Thank you everyone.

TONY WILLIAMSON,

Paddock Wood,

Prudhoe