An Asda Blantyre colleague has received a special message upon his retirement from the customer whose life he saved over 20 years ago.
Much-loved security colleague George Barclay was overwhelmed to hear from Jodie McLaughlan who wished him a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Colleagues organised the surprise after learning that George had saved Jodie’s life when she was just a toddler back in the early 90’s when she suffered a convulsion and swallowed her tongue, stopping her breathing whilst on a shopping trip in the store with a family member.
George, a first aider, swiftly came to the rescue that day - saving Jodie’s life and the 60-year-old told colleagues he can remember it as if was yesterday.
Twenty-seven year old Jodie, who gave birth to her son Travis a few weeks ago, said: “If it wasn’t for George’s actions that day my future could have been very different. He saved my life.
“George has been at the store for a long time and you always see him when you go in. He’s always there and I wave to him. I’d like to wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Colleagues in the store, as well as Asda CEO Roger Burnley, wished George all the best and thanked him for his 39 years of service to the company which has included several positions within the Blantyre store.
Asda Blantyre community champion Mary Sutherland told the Advertiser: “George who recently turned 60 has worked at the store for over 39 years. He has had several roles including greeter and more recently security colleague.
“It was only when he celebrated his birthday that an old story was retold by the sister of a customer whose life he had saved. Many years ago he was coming into the store when he heard a girl screaming that her baby had stopped breathing.
“Being a first aider George went to help and got the toddler (who is now 28) breathing and cared for her until the ambulance arrived.
“In fact when Jodie turned18 she came into the store to present George with a lovely pen and card.
“Now, as George retires and she welcomes a wee baby of her own into the world she has sent George a special message to wish him a long and happy Retirement.
“In fact just last week the CEO of Asda, Roger Burnley, was in the area and came into the store to wish George all the best and thank him for his service.
“He will be missed by both colleagues and customers and has promised if he isn’t travelling the globe he will come in and make sure we are all behaving.”
The store’s deputy manager Ian Miller added: “George is very popular character. I’m really sad to see him go.”
