‘Top bloke’

A kind stranger who helped a travelling German couple get back on the road says he was thrilled to help, and a bit taken aback by his sudden fame.

Retired farmer Ian Swafford stopped to help Evelyne and Saadik Goll when their van broke down at Ward Beach on the southern coast of Marlborough last month.

He spent hours tinkering with the engine before it finally burst into life, allowing the Golls to drive back into Blenheim to a repair shop – but in their haste they felt they failed to thank the good samaritan properly.

But after the couple called for help passing on their gratitude through an article in the Marlborough Express, the Tapawera resident started getting messages of thanks from several neighbours and friends, he said.

‘‘I don’t read the news and I don’t really bother with computers or phones much, but there’s been quite a few people who have mentioned it to me, they sure got to know about it in this area,’’ Swafford said.

‘‘But I’ve always tried to help people, it does make you feel good . . . and by golly they got excited when it started up, I’ll never forget their faces, they were so appreciative.’’

The Golls were stranded at the remote beach, 45 kilometres south of Blenheim, on their way to Kaiko¯ ura when their van failed to start.

Swafford, who happened to be visiting his favourite spot on the eastern coastline, pulled out a screwdriver and climbed under the vehicle to have a look.

‘‘And we were a bit worried