A BUSINESSWOMAN whose father died in Abergavenny town centre has thanked the street salesman who tried to save him reports Paul James

Jeanne Fry-Thomas, a director of estate agents Bidmead Cook, has expressed her gratitude to Gary Morgan who rushed to help 83-year-old Gwilym Fry when he collapsed in his car last week.

He battled in vain to revive Mr Fry who was taken ill at the wheel after stopping his car in Red Square last Monday.

Mrs Fry-Thomas said, 'We are so grateful for what he did. It has helped us enormously to know that someone was there trying to help him - and that he was no alone when he died. It means a lot to us."

She has since met Mr Morgan, from North Road, Croesyceiliog, to personally thank him for everything he did on the tragic day.

'I am happy that everything that could be done for my father was done. It's so good that someone tried. They did their best," she said.

She added, "He has helped me and my sister Ruth come to terms with the tragic events of that morning a week ago.

"It was an amazing comfort to us to know that, although our father wasn't aware of Mr Morgan being there, someone so kind was with him at the end. We can not thank him enough."

Her father, who lived in Usk, spent most of his working life as a pitman in Pontypool. The family home was a farm at Monkswood.

Jeanne described him as "a great character who was fit and independent and loved his garden."

He was a regular competitor in the Usk in Bloom competition where his showcase garden won prizes annually for 22 years.

Gwilym was also widely admired for his growing skills with produce and flowers, particularly for his winning ways with dahlias and most vegetables - especially leeks.

He also kept racehorses for 30 years. One of them, Yangste Kiang, was an ante-post favourite for the famous Mackeson Gold Cup at Cheltenham in the 80s.

Gary Morgan said, "It was good to meet the gentleman's daughter. She was very grateful. I only wish I could have done more to help."

He was anxious to thank the binmen and the police who also attended the scene.

"The policewoman - Amy Evans - was just phenomenal, so understanding. The police don't always get the best press - but on this occasion they were just brilliant," said Gary.