A HEROIC Asda worker has been praised after saving the life of a customer who suffered a heart attack while in the Shipley store.

Mandy Hardy, who works in the cash office, said that in her four years as a first aider she has never been faced with a life-or-death situation.

However, when the lady complained of a pain in her arm, quick-thinking Mandy knew exactly what to do and sprung into action.

She said: “I was the first aider on duty when someone called for me and the first thing she said when I got there was that she had pins and needles in her arm.

“When she said that I knew straight away what I was dealing with. She was sat on a chair, so I put her down and elevated her legs to let the blood flow to her heart.

“It was the first time I had done anything like that. It’s one of the call outs that you really don’t want. You train for but you hope it will never be needed.

“I panicked a little bit at first, but I knew I had to overcome that. I just had to do what I had to do. When the adrenaline kicks in something just clicks in your head and then you’re off, you just know what to do.”

After the customer was rushed to hospital, she made a full recovery and continues to shop in store.

Mandy, who's been with Asda for 26 years, said what she had done didn't sink in at first, but now she feels proud to have helped to save her life every time she sees her.

“When I received a card and flowers and chocolates from her daughter it was much appreciated,” she said.

“I can understand what I had done but I just couldn’t grasp what it meant at the time. I’ve only dealt with minor things as a first aider up to now. When she comes into store now, I just look at her and she looks brilliant, and I think ‘I saved her life’.”

She added: “I think everyone should do some kind of first aid course because you just don’t know when you’ll need it.”

Asda Shipley store manager Chris Gilmartin said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Mandy – she’s a true lifesaver.

“If she was nervous, she certainly didn’t show it as she sprang into action.

"Since this happened, we’ve made sure she knows what an amazing job she did that day and how we’re all grateful to have her in the team.”