'Best present ever' - Samaritan to rescue after truck flips

Mike Rankin, with his daughters Mikaela (5, left) and Jasmine (7), and his just-received 1996 Range Rover. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Mike Rankin, with his daughters Mikaela (5, left) and Jasmine (7), and his just-received 1996 Range Rover. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
It seems Mike Rankin's luck has not yet run out.

The young father of two was counting his blessings on Sunday, when the handbrake of his Isuzu Bighorn failed and the vehicle rolled down his Caversham, Dunedin, driveway and flipped, with his daughters Mikaela (5) and Jasmine (7) inside.

The girls escaped with only minor injuries, and adding to his luck was Good Samaritan Brian Foley, who donated a vehicle to Mr Rankin.

Mr Foley said he had been trying to sell his 1996 Range Rover for about $7000 for about two months without success, and when he read about Mr Rankin's plight, he decided to help.

''I thought: `Poor bugger. He's got two children, it's Christmas, he might be going away on holiday or doing something, and he's got no car'.''

So, Mr Foley gave Mr Rankin his 4.6L V8 with about 140,000km on the odometer.

Part of his decision to help was inspired by a man who showed him similar generosity.

''A long time ago, someone gave me an old vintage Rover car, and I couldn't believe the generosity. I suppose what comes around, goes around.''

Mr Rankin said he was ''blown away'' by Mr Foley's generosity.

''I'm speechless, really.

''I can't believe he's done this for me.

''With having the kids, this makes things so much easier. I can get them to where they need to be over Christmas without having to ask someone else for help.

''This is the best Christmas present I've ever had.

''It'll be one of those vehicles I'll wash every day.''

The vehicle would be insured today and children were strictly forbidden from playing in it, he said.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement