A mother and daughter who travelled 4,000 miles from the USA to see Ed Sheeran in Sunderland have praised a kind-hearted PC who helped save their trip.
Denise Buie and daughter Alyssa Midence flew over from their Florida home last week as part of an unforgettable 10-day holiday to celebrate the 22-year-old’s graduation.
A part of the celebration was to see Ed Sheeran at the Stadium of Light on June 3 – but their excitement soon turned to despair as their hire car broke down.
Luckily one of Northumbria Police's Motor Patrol officers PC Andy Jackson, was on hand to help move the vehicle off the road while they waited for a recovery truck.
Despite thinking their trouble was over, two hours later, PC Jackson was driving back along the A1231 and saw Denise and Alyssa still waiting in their conked-out car at the side of the road – with no sign of recovery.
The distraught pair had already resigned to missing the concert, with Ed Sheeran due on stage any moment.
Formulating a quick plan, PC Jackson re-contacted the recovery firm and told them the key for the car would be in the front office of Southwick Police Station to collect – before escorting a teary Denise and Alyssa to the stadium himself.
“I just couldn’t believe the kindness shown to us,” mum Denise, 52, said.
“All the Northumbria Police officers were outstanding and should be praised for their efforts.
“I kept calling PC Jackson our ‘superman’. We are truly grateful that he went the extra mile – there’s no way we can ever thank PC Jackson enough. To be met with such generosity and compassion is something that we’ll never forget.”
The pair enjoyed the concert and arrived back in their native Florida on Wednesday – after spending the rest of their holiday exploring Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and the Isle of Skye.
PC Jackson added: “I was just happy to help. After seeing how upset they both were, and given they traveled halfway across the world for it, I was more than happy to quickly hatch a plan and make sure they got to see Ed, before continuing with my shift.
“I’m pleased that they had a good time and hope they got home safe, with a lasting fondness for the North East.”
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