Ardley's very own paramedics

When Anne and Richard Chope dialled 999 on four separate occasions over the last two years, they did not realise that the same paramedic crew would be attending their calls for help.

Back in 2008, Richard, 81, was taken suddenly ill at his home. Bryan and Ian responded and he was taken to the Lister hospital in Stevenage where he was diagnosed with a viral infection. One year on, Richard suffered a stroke, again Bryan and Ian were called to the scene. Richard has since made an amazing recovery.

During December, Anne, 75, who has a passion for horses and pony's, was out riding in a field when she was thrown on to the ground, she sustained serious head and facial injuries. Luckily a member of the public was nearby and called for help. Bryan and Ian were surprised when they arrived to see it was Anne. Following treatment at the scene, she was airlifted by Anglia 250 to the neurological unit at Addenbrookes hospital. On her return home in January, Anne suddenly collapsed at home, yet again Bryan and Ian duly turned up and took her back to Addenbrookes where she was discharged shortly after.

Stevenage based paramedic Bryan Parker and student paramedic Ian Smith made a special visit to meet up with Anne and Richard. Anne said: "It was lovely to meet up with Bryan and Ian again, and especially on a social basis. Their response has been amazing on all four occasions when we have called for an ambulance. They were efficient, friendly and their attitude towards us was wonderful."

Bryan added: "It was great to see them both again. Ian and I cannot believe that we have seen them four times in two years. It's a very small world we live in."