Carlisle cyclist rescues diabetic man while out riding

A cyclist in Carlisle turned Good Samaritan when he saw a man staggering down the road following a diabetic attack.

David Foster was covered in cuts and bruises as tried to walk down the Carlisle to Wetheral road. Dozens of motorists had already passed him but no-one had stopped.

Matt Alberti was out on his bike when he spotted Mr Foster and although he was concerned, he nonetheless stopped.

“He was staggering along and I thought he was the worse for wear,” he told the News and Star.

“I thought something wasn’t right. He was holding his left knee and limping badly. I thought he had either been beaten up or been drinking.”

Matt, from Cumwhinton, tried to make conversation with Mr Foster but he didn't know where he was or what his name was. Matt flagged down a car, then went through Mr Foster's jacket to see if he was carrying ID. He came across his medical card and realised he was a diabetic.

“My dad has diabetes so the driver [who had stopped] went to Wetheral and got a can of Coke and some chocolate.

“He came back with another man and the three of us stayed with him. The paramedic was there within five or six minutes.”

Mr Foster, who had wandered miles from his home at night when the attack left him confused and disoriented, couldn’t see properly and had no idea who had come to his aid.

“Not many people would have stopped to help,” he said.

“People aren’t very trusting in this day and age.”