A kind-hearted care worker has received a commendation from Northumbria Police after she helped reunite a vulnerable pensioner with his family.
Kayleigh Navi spotted the 80-year-old who suffers from dementia, walking around Jarrow in the late hours of January 22 immediately realising that something was not right.
The man had left his home address three hours previously without a phone or his wife who was recuperating from an operation.
When he was spotted by neighbour Kayleigh, he appeared lost and confused.
After asking about the man's welfare, she called 101 and led police to his location who were then able to return him home safely.
Kayleigh, who works with with the elderly in her role as a care worker in South Tyneside, was invited to Millbank Police Station on Monday to receive her Commander's Compliment as gesture of thanks.
Officers were quick to highlight the actions of Kayleigh, who spoke of her relief that the man had returned home unharmed.
She said: "I’m just pleased that the gentleman has returned home safe and well.
"I work with elderly people through my job, and seeing him walking alone at 10.30pm – it just didn’t seem right."
"I did what anybody would have done, but I’m very grateful to receive this commendation.”
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, who presented Kayleigh with her commendation, praised her quick-thinking which she said was vital in saving the man's life.
She added: "Without her intervention, the reality is that he could have come to serious harm. Thankfully, that was not the case which is entirely down to Kayleigh’s kindness and willingness to trust her instinct."
"By spotting something did not seem right and ringing police, she helped us protect a vulnerable man and bring him safely home."
"She should be very proud of her actions and I know the public will share my thanks to her after going above and beyond.”
