AMBULANCE workers were able to enjoy their tea breaks more than usual, thanks to a grateful patient who left them a supply of biscuits in his will.

It was an unusual example among the many ways individuals and groups have said thanks to the South Cumbrian life-savers.

The Mail, on May 29 in 1997, noted: “Millom paramedics are getting ready to tuck into two kilogrammes of biscuits almost 10 months after they were left to them in a man’s will.

“Harry Johnson, who lived at The Hill, died in 1994 and in his will left the paramedics £100.

“There were also specific instructions that the money was to be spent on biscuits until the money ran out.

“Mr Johnson was taken to hospital by a Millom ambulance crew a few years ago after suffering a heart attack.

“In return he often used to take the paramedics biscuits as a thank you.

“His will stated that the money must be looked after by the longest and shortest serving paramedics and that the biscuits should be bought on May22 every year.

“Unfortunately, by the time the fine detail of the will was sorted outlast year the crunch date had passed, so the reluctant paramedics agree to wait another year.

“But they have now been left saying ‘crumbs’ after they missed the date for a second year running.

“This time it was due to the fact that the longest serving member, Phil Thomas, was on holiday.

“So now the hungry paramedics are eagerly awaiting his return.”

Barrow Ambulance Service paramedic Dave Bell visited the Ulverston Glaxo Sports and Social Club in June 1994 to accept a £1,800 pulse oximeter.

It was officially handed over by committee members Andy Whittle, Joan Satwell and Derek Hall after a series of fundraising events by members.

In June 1994 Linda Isherwood, from Ulverston Ambulance Station, received a cheque for £2,000 from Christine Dacre, of the Farmers Arms.

A Rock the NHS charity night at the Barrow St Patrick’s Club raised £350 for the town’s ambulance station.