A 76 year-old woman was rescued by a heroic lorry driver after two of her tyres exploded on the motorway on the way to Rotherham on 13th March.

Pauline Sharpe, a dog trainer from Sheffield, was stranded when Anglia Freight driver, Christopher Dornelly, came to her rescue.

Mr Dornelly, who was in the lorry behind, guided Ms Sharpe to the side of the road and stayed with her while they waited for police and a recovery company arrived.

Ms Sharpe said: “Chris was meant to come into my life for whatever reason. And I think I’ve got a friend for life with him. He had no need to stop that day. He could have just driven off but he didn’t. Thank god he was there. 

“I remember just seeing all this smoke and thinking, ‘God is my car on fire?’

“I always say I met God that day. Why I’m still here, I don’t know.  We’re calling him Saint Christopher, Patron Saint of Travellers.” 

Abby Holden, director at Anglia Freight, said: “It was incredible luck that he was nearby that day, as he knew how to respond appropriately in that moment and, using his vehicle as a barrier to other vehicles, escorted Pauline across the motorway to safety. 

“Even more fortuitous for Pauline was that Christopher just so happens to be an incredible human being. 

“He is beyond kind, incredibly caring and a wonderfully positive person. Light radiates from him and everyone he comes into contact with thinks the world of him, us included.  

“We’re not surprised the internet erupted in support of his heroic act – it’s a story of real ‘goodness’ and we all need more of those. The friendship that Christopher and Pauline have established is truly heartwarming.

“We’re very proud of him and incredibly grateful that he is part of our team.

“He really is a super-star.”

Ms Sharpe’s son later posted a social media campaign to find Mr Dornelly and a Gofundme fundraiser called: “Buy Christopher a pint.” 

The post gained large traction, with £1,700 raised from donations. 

Since the accident, Ms Sharpe and Mr Dornelly have been messaging almost daily.