ON Thursday, December 5, while walking my dog on the Wirral Way, I found a man who had blacked out and fallen.

The response of my fellow Merseysiders deserves to be noted.

Three out-of-town workmen were also passing by.

They helped me get him in the recovery position, gave me a mobile phone with 999 already dialled and stayed with us until things were under control, all while rushing for their train - I hope you made it in time, guys!

Mike at the ambulance control room was a voice of calm reassurance as he talked me through checking the man's breathing.

A fellow dog walker, Mark from Heswall, was invaluable for his calm confidence as he helped with the man and got useful answers from him for Mike.

A couple walking their dog nearby were amazing, with one rushing off to try the door of a doctor they knew and the other going all the way to the entrance of the Wirral Way to guide the ambulance.

The ambulance crew arrived after 40 minutes and were, as always, superb in every way: cool, calm, professional and just who you want to help you in a crisis.

I'm constantly amazed and grateful at how great our NHS staff are.

The man was quickly taken to the ambulance, and the wonderful Mark took his dog home for him out of the kindness of his heart.

Mike at ambulance control was off to his next call before I could really thank him for all he did.

The entire time we were all helping the poor man, joggers, runners, dog walkers and passers-by were stopping to ask if there was anything they could do, and, when asked, doing it happily without worrying about their own plans.

I’m an adopted Merseysider, having lived here only ten years or so, but I saw the very best of Wirral.

To all who helped, or even just offered to help as you walked by, thank you.

To Mark of Heswall: you were a real hero. And to Mike and the two ambulance people: you’ll never know how grateful we all are to you and our NHS just for your existence.

Name and address supplied