National Tyres Gives Customer A Leg-Up

Surely a contender for the most unusual repair was reported on the Sunday Mercury website, when Pete Fletcher turned up at a tyre depot, looking for help to fix his artificial leg, which was coming off. Pete’s artificial leg is held in place by suction and the special suction sleeve at the top of the cast had worn – and tiny holes were allowing air to get in. In desperation, Pete turned to the National Tyre depot at Cannock, Staffs for help.

The four members of staff were nonplussed at first, but eventually came up with a solution using a piece of old inner tube and superglue to effect a makeshift ‘puncture repair’. The repair was carried out by 19 year-old fitter Joe Allison. Not only was the repair fully effective, but National refused payment for the service. Said centre manager Richard Evans: “This was a first, but it was quite satisfying, our pleasure. We even fix false legs now. It was nice to be able to help. It makes the job worth doing – and it was a break from the norm.”