Supermarket worker keeps her cool after customer falls on ice

A SUPERMARKET worker in Omagh has been commended for coming to the aid of an 85-year-old customer who visited the town’s Asda store shortly after slipping on ice in his back garden and banging his head.

Jimmy O’Kane was able to walk down to the store but was in shock when he arrived.

Nicola McCrory, an Asda Omagh online service colleague, immediately recognised Jimmy and went over to help.

Nicola said, “Jimmy is one of our regular customers, he comes into the store every day. I realised straight away that he was shaking and knew something wasn’t right. I noticed he had cut the back of his head, so I helped him finish his shop and made sure he got home safe.”

She noticed the cut had started bleeding and she became more concerned however continued to calm Jimmy down while she observed him. When Nicola got to Jimmy’s house, she was greeted by his son, John and explained what had happened.

She added, “Jimmy’s son was extremely grateful when I greeted him at the front door to explain what had happened. I was glad to help, the last thing I would’ve wanted was for something bad to happen to him.

“John rang a few days later to thank me again and Jimmy came into store when he was feeling better to thank me too. I was more than happy to help.’’

John was very grateful for the help Nicola offered Jimmy and after speaking with her he took his dad to Omagh Hospital where he got six staples in the back of his head.

John said, “We really appreciate Nicola going out of her way to help my dad. I am extremely grateful that she noticed dad’s injury and her service deserves to be commended.’’

Despite having to go to hospital, Jimmy felt a lot better a few days later.

Jimmy said, “I am so thankful to Nicola for being such a fantastic help. I visit the Asda Omagh store regularly and I know excellent service is always guaranteed when I come in. After I recovered from my accident, I wanted to come into store to thank her again for being so brilliant.’’

Stephen Henry, store manager at Asda Omagh, said, “Nicola is such a great colleague. She has fantastic customer service skills and always goes above and beyond for our customers and the whole Asda community.”

He added, “Jimmy and John were extremely appreciative of her help – well done, Nicola!”