A few weeks ago, while getting on to the No 65 bus in Colchester Bus Park, I tripped over the step and fell on to my knees on the platform.

As I reached over to grab my bags, I was aware of a click in my knee and, judging by the pain, suspected it had fractured.

A young man had just got off the bus and he came back and, together with the driver, helped me to a seat at the stop. Another member of the staff went to get me a drink of water and I should like to thank both the driver and the woman who showed every consideration and concern for my plight. However, what was over and above the call of duty was the action of the young stranger, who I later learned was called Tom.

He explained he was a student nurse and he considered it was his duty as a member of the nursing profession to stay with me until the ambulance arrived.

I don’t suppose he realised it would take nearly three hours for this to happen, but, in spite of everything including his plans for that morning, he stayed with me, talking to keep my spirits up, not leaving me until I was safely in the vehicle to take me to the hospital, where I was X-rayed and a fracture of the lateral tibial plateau was confirmed. I should like to publicly thank the actions of that very special young man. I consider that the future of the health service is safe in hands such as his.

Wyn Foster

Sussex Road

Colchester