PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A quick stop for a cold drink turned into a life-threatening emergency for Jenny Sulton, who collapsed from undiagnosed pneumonia at the Total Garage in Beacon Isle two weeks ago. 

Thanks to the swift and compassionate response of the garage staff, Sulton's life was saved.

 "I nearly died. If it wasn't for them, I don't know what would've happened to me. They are Total Angels," Sulton said emotionally, recounting the ordeal.

Feeling unusually weak, Sulton stopped at the garage hoping a Coke might help boost her sugar levels.

 "I went to the fridge and got the bottle. Suddenly, I felt worse and asked to sit down. The cashier guided me to a chair and then alerted the supervisor," she said.

Total Garage supervisor Bernadette Oraai recalled the terrifying moment. "She looked so pale and could barely breathe. Then she started coughing - what looked like blood - and I knew she needed urgent medical help."

Oraai tried contacting the pharmacy's emergency line, but they were unavailable. She then asked Sulton if anyone knew she was at the shop and requested an emergency contact number. 

"I phoned the number and spoke to a man; only later did I realise it was her husband. I told him I was rushing her to Mediclinic and gave him my details."

As the situation escalated, petrol attendant Thandie Nase stepped in. "He picked her up, carried her to my car, and came with us. He let her rest her head on him so she wouldn't choke on the blood she was coughing," said Oraai.

When they arrived at the hospital, Sulton's husband was already there and had informed staff of her condition. A week later, a fragile but grateful Sulton returned to the garage to thank those who saved her. "We hugged and cried. I could've died. I will never be able to thank them enough. They saved my life."

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