A Norfolk lorry driver has been hailed a hero after rescuing a pregnant woman who was about to give birth from an island.
Justin Tacey, 45, was returning to the Emmitt Plant's base, when he found Kelly Brinkman, 32, who was being rushed to hospital after her water broke on Thursday, January 4, but became stranded after the road to the mainland was covered by the high tide.
With no route off the island and time running out, Miss Brinkman and her partner Paulo Pereira had started to panic - until Mr Tacey came to their aid.
Mr Tacey, from Diss, was returning after making deliveries to a caravan park on the island when he noticed the couple in distress and offered to help.
He loaded their car on the back of his eight-wheel truck and made the half mile crossing through tidal waters.
Safely on the mainland, the couple were able to continue their journey to Colchester General Hospital - where baby Lillie Pereira was delivered by Caesarean section.
Miss Brinkman, who is recovering at home with Mr Pereira, Lillie and her eldest daughter Olivia, has offered a 'massive thanks' to Mr Tacey, saying 'we could not praise him enough'.
Mr Tacey, a father-of-four, said he had been surprised by the reaction.
'I was just doing what anyone else would have done,' he said. 'I had the means to do it and so I couldn't have just left her there.'
Mr Tacey has been a driver for Emmitt Plant for five years, making deliveries all over the region – but says Thursday was the first occasion he has helped deliver a pregnant woman to hospital.
The West Mersea Coastguard, which was on the scene, has also paid tribute to Mr Tacey, calling him a 'true gentleman'.
'If Justin hadn't been there to take us across, there's a good chance I'd have given birth beside the Strood,' Miss Brinkman added.
'We don't often see massive trucks like that on the island so for Justin to have been there at the right place and the right time seemed like divine intervention.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here