Community Magazine – Money gone with wind but returned to stunned grandfather

Grandfather who watched £1,000 cash blow away after he tripped outside bank stunned as kind strangers return almost every penny.

• Onlookers - mainly teenagers and young people - began grabbing the notes and managed to collect all but £20
• Grandfather says the kindness shows 'there is still some decency' in the world

A grandfather who fell outside a bank and saw his £1,000 in cash blow away in the wind was amazed when strangers returned almost every penny.

Barry Eastwood, 54, had left the Abbey Santander branch in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, after withdrawing the money for his car insurance.

But as he crossed the road, Mr Eastwood tripped and fell on his face, breaking his glasses.

The money was blown from his hand and Barry went back to his car with just £60 left.

His son Richard, 29, who had been waiting for him, jumped out to try and recover some of it.

But to their amazement, dozens of passers-by began grabbing the notes as fast as they could, and returning them.

The onlookers, all aged between about 12 and 25, managed to collect almost every note except one £20.

The grandfather of 13, said: 'The money went flying in the air. I saw all these young lads started grabbing the notes and I thought I’ve got no chance here.

'But they brought it all back back - I couldn’t believe it! They were jumping up and catching the notes - it’s a shame no one had a camera.

'There must have been about 20 lads - they were all young lads. I ended up with all the money back bar £20.'

Former labourer Mr Eastwood, of Salford, who has had to retire due to heart problems, was even handed back his passport and bank card which he had also dropped.

'It was absolutely brilliant. Especially in this day and age the way people are,' he said.

'I would like to say a big thanks to all the people that helped retrieve my money and for their kindness and genuine show of concern.

'I just felt this was a story to be shared. It has given me a sense that all is not lost and that there is still some decency in this deteriorating world.

'Thanks to everyone,' he said.

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Community Magazine