Determined Portsmouth carer, 73, who had bike stolen still carries out rounds for patients

Melanie Doel-Davis’ was devastated when she discovered her electric bike had been stolen from an outbuilding.

But despite losing her mode of transport, the 73-year-old made sure her patients were not left high and dry.

‘I was absolutely distraught,’ Melanie said. ‘I was upset not just for me but because it affected other people.’

‘When you do what I do you can’t just not turn up,’ she said. ‘So I carried on with my day’s appointments and didn’t call Rias home insurance until I got home. By then I was in such a state worrying about it.’

Claims handler Sarah Holden put Melanie’s mind at rest. ‘I was in a terrible state and she just calmed me down so well,’ the carer said. ‘She went above and beyond and couldn’t have been more helpful.’

In less than 24 hours, Rias had transferred Melanie the money she needed to buy herself a replacement bike.

‘It was very quick,’ Melanie said. ‘I’ve never had to make a claim on my home insurance and I didn’t expect it to be so quick.’

Melanie thinks Ms Holden deserves special praise and has nominated her for a local community hero award.

‘I just had to do something to say thank you,’ Melanie said. ‘She was just fantastic in what was a very upsetting situation.’

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