The kind actions of a stranger helped a family through a frightening time after their son was rushed to hospital.
Lee Parkinson, 26, came out of his room 'screaming in agony' after experiencing pains in his stomach that he had put down to a virus. Dad Frank instantly knew something was wrong and took Lee to Arrowe Park Hospital, Birkenhead, immediately.
Frank described it to the ECHO as an 'emotional rollercoaster' with Lee's health suddenly declining rapidly. "It was a two hour wait but he started going pale and sweating. He was grey," Frank said.
READ MORE: Cops issue 'top tip' after seizing bright green supercar as driver 'drew attention to himself'
Lee was taken for surgery on what was thought could be an issue with his appendix, but the wait made Frank think it was something much worse.
He added: "They said he would be in surgery for an hour but two and a half hours later we were sitting not knowing what was going on.
"They came out saying it was more serious and to hold tight they would do their best. We were absolutely distraught."
In what was a very distressing time for the family, the actions of a random stranger managed to cheer them up. Craig Jones, a porter at the hospital, was playing music through the hospital corridors before he got chatting to Frank and his wife Denise.
Frank said: "I asked why he was playing music and he said he'd been doing it since covid to cheer people up. He's doing it for the people and it can be someone's last song they heard. He's amazing, he reassured us as gave us a hug but he blew us away.
"He checks your date of birth and goes back to find the music you'd have been interested in when you were young and plays it for you, he picks your mood up. He made us laugh and smile during a crucial time in our lives.
"We need more people like him. It's sentimental, we all love music and I wanted to make sure he gets some love for making us smile."
As Lee remains in hospital for his recovery, Craig has even been going to visit him and his family. Frank said: "He's been amazing. The hospital have been amazing as well, the doctors and all the staff.
"Lee's bowel had burst which is quite common I believe. It starts with lower belly pain, constipation pains and he started swelling. He said on the Sunday he felt some kind of rip and his temperature was through the roof."
For more of today's top stories click here.
READ NEXT:
