That’s the spirit – locals come to aid of stranded
KINDHEARTED volunteers worked throughout the night to help people stuck in their vehicles in freezing temperatures on the M62 on Thursday.
They loaded their toasters, popped on their kettles and set about making things a little less grim for those stuck near Milnrow.
They formed a human supply chain in the snow to get supplies to people.
Many drivers were still stranded on the stretch of motorway on Friday morning. But thanks to the small army of volunteers, at least they’d had something to eat and a bit of company, if only for a short while.
Some even had a bed for the night after people opened up their homes.
One picture seemed to capture the mood perfectly. It showed Wendy Cheetham in her kitchen with five people she had rescued from the icy conditions.
They shared a bottle of wine while getting warm.
Wendy, 48, said: “I’m a nurse. Caring for people is second nature. If you have the space, why wouldn’t you help people?
“The people of Milnrow went out there in their droves. It has been about community spirit. “We took that literally.” It all started with a post on the Newhey and Milnrow Community Spirit Facebook group telling members of the disruption.
The call to arms was quickly answered.
Scores of drivers were stuck after the motorway was shut between junction 21 for Milnrow and junction 22 for Saddleworth at around 11am on Thursday.
As the light thinned and temperatures plummeted, volunteers took to the roads to hand out hot drinks and snacks and food for people with babies and children.
When gale-force winds made it too dangerous for people to be outside, Butterworth Community Hall was opened up as a shelter. People even gave up their own beds.
It’s thought around 200 people were helped by volunteers.
Councillor Irene Davidson, chairman of Newhey and Milnrow Community Spirit, said: “During the night there were 23 volunteers. We had another group of about 10 to 15 people serving tea and toast for breakfast.
“At first, because they couldn’t get to us, we had to go to the motorway to give out hot drinks, crisps and biscuits and baby food.
“It got too dangerous because of the wind. Highways Agency and police diverted people to us.
“They started coming in at 3am and then we were full. We opened the church next door for people to sleep in. There were temporary beds for people to sleep in.
“Families were found bed and breakfast, hotels or people opened up their homes. About 30 people were put into houses or local businesses in the community.
“We had about eight families with children come in.
“It has been fantastic I am so proud to be a local councillor and member of this community.
“Everybody has been absolutely wonderful, they really have. They are in here having a chat and people have made friends, the atmosphere has been fantastic.”
Butterworth Hall remained open on Friday morning for any drivers needing a bite to eat.
Oldham Fire Station on Lees Road was also opened up.
Newhey Community Primary School, which was shut to pupils, was opened up as a rest centre.
One driver, still trapped on the M62 yesterday, described his horrific journey
Gavin Koplick left New York last Wednesday after a two-hour delay in the US.
Following a flight back to the UK, he left Manchester Airport at 10am on Thursday.
At 8am on Friday he was still stuck at junction 21 of the M62 eastbound.
Gavin, who is travelling to Hull, said the only saving grace was the ‘lovely person’ who brought him a coffee in the early hours.
He added: “Simple things mean a lot.”
Among the five Wendy took in was Rhonwyn Dobbing, a social worked from Doncaster, who was travelling from Anglesey.
A group of volunteers helped her move her car out of a snow drift.
“It was very boring and quite cold stuck on the motorway,” she said.
“You just didn’t know what was going to happen next.
“I went to the community centre and had a lovely cup of tea and Wendy offered me a bed.”
Pamela Smith, 68, from Wakefield was stuck on the stretch at 9am yesterday after joining the M62 at around 8pm on Thursday.
She said: “I’ve been in the car for 12 hours. I desperately wanted the loo last night.
“A gent knocked on my window and asked me if I wanted a coffee.
“He guided me out, helped me out of the car.
“He was so lovely and friendly. He wouldn’t take any money, he just wanted to help.
“There were people coming up and down the motorway with toast in little bags and hot drinks.
“When you’re in the car for that amount of time, a bit of toast with jam is heaven.
“They didn’t care what they had on tomorrow. They just wanted to help people.”