Gary Welshman, who delivers parcels in Peterborough for courier company Danzen Logistics, has potentially saved an Amazon customer and her home from harm when he smelled gas during a delivery.
The 29-year-old rang the doorbell and knocked on the door multiple times but had no reply, so he left a ‘Sorry we missed you’ note that said he had left the parcel in a safe space, but that he could also smell gas.
I just did what I thought was the right thing to do and I hope that someone else would do the same.
Our customer, Sharon Watson from Peterborough, was expecting nothing more than a delivery of a garden broom. The IT consultant was on a work call at the time of the delivery so couldn’t answer the door. But as soon as she spotted the note, Sharon called National Grid. They immediately sent out an engineer and confirmed Gary’s concerns that there was a gas leak.
“I had a parcel delivery, I couldn’t get to the door, so the driver left it in my bin and meter cupboard,” said Sharon. “He left a delivery card with the note saying he smelt gas so I phoned National Grid who were out within 45 minutes. They identified that the on/off lever on the gas inlet was leaking and fixed it there and then. From what I understand, my house wouldn’t have blown up but in certain circumstances it could have been reasonably serious.”
We have very high standards for the delivery service providers we work with and how they serve customers, but Gary went a step further.
“I just did what I thought was the right thing to do and I hope that someone else would do the same,” said Gary. “It feels good knowing that my actions may have prevented a life-threatening situation.”
Andrej Budkevic, Amazon Senior Delivery Station Manager, added: “I would like to thank Gary for his thoughtful actions. He was brilliant.
"The whole team here at the Amazon delivery station in Peterborough are extremely touched by this story, which showcased an inspiring level of customer care. We have very high standards for the delivery service providers we work with and how they serve customers, but Gary went a step further, which may well have saved a customer’s life.”
Across the UK, our delivery service partners - small and medium sized courier businesses - provide work opportunities to thousands of individuals who deliver packages to Amazon customers. Gary is one of many driver heroes who go the extra mile for their communities. Last year, Kenny Beatson, a delivery driver in Scotland, helped save people from a fire in a block of flats.
Meet more of our amazing people who have gone above and beyond for their communities.
