Good Samaritan Found

1968 Article

The mystery of the Good Samaritan who found comedian Eric Morecambe suffering from a heart attack in the centre of Leeds, and drove him – in the comedian’s car – to Leeds Infirmary, was solved today when the man was named as Walter Butterworth, a 23 year old tyre fitter.

Mr. Butterworth who is a rifleman with Leeds Rifles; is pictured with Eric Morecambe’s Jensen automatic car.

Although he had not told his mother and father about his good deed, his 29 year old sister, Mrs. Shirley Nelson, with whom he lives, said: “It was Walter who drove Mr. Morecambe to the hospital.”

She said Walter had been walking near Leeds Parish Church when he heard a shout from a car.

“Walter told me that the man asked him where the nearest hospital was, “ she said.

“He then told Walter that he was Eric Morecambe and that he was in pain. He asked him if he could drive, and Walter took him to the Infirmary.”

Mrs. Nelson said Walter was very pleased that he had been able to help. He intended to visit Mr. Morecambe in hospital this week.


© Yorkshire Evening Post 1968