A London Ambulance Service 999 call handler threw his nan a surprise visit on her 80th birthday after five months torn apart during lockdown.
Mike Edwards, from West Norwood, has been taking emergency calls across the capital during the pandemic and was unable to visit Glennis Wade, who was shielding at her Reading home.
But this month he arrived on her doorstep with a giant 80th balloon to mark her birthday.
Glennis, who has made dozens of face coverings for call handlers during lockdown, cried tears of joy as she was reunited with her grandson after five months.
“It was the best birthday present anyone could ever ask for,” she said, adding she would treasure the moment forever.
Mike, 31, has been on the front line of the crisis helping answer 11,000 emergency calls every day from Londoners, more than double the average.
Glennis has been passing the time while following the Government’s shielding advice for elderly residents by making more than 150 face coverings for call handlers and office based staff at London Ambulance Service.
“Unless she is eating or sleeping she is making masks,” Mike said.
He added: “The past few months have been really difficult but it has been wonderful being able to see her again."
