Coronavirus: Praise for car dealer who gifts car to NHS nurse so she can get to night shift

A Magherafelt car dealer has been praised on social media after gifting a car to a nurse.
The news prompted significant support on social media in light of the dangers and dedication of NHS nurses during the current Pandemic.
BBC politics Correspondent Enda McClafferty flagged the story up on Twitter.

“Nice story,” he said. “Nurse goes to a Ballyronan garage to buy a second hand car, gets a text while waiting to say keys are on the wheel and take the Astra for free as a thanks for the work she does. Class.”

When contacted by the News Letter the car dealer at MC Autosales, Magherafelt declined to take any phone calls or do an interview, instead releasing a brief statement.

“Yes, we were contacted last weekend about a nurse who emailed wanting to view a car as her own car was on its last legs and she needed a car for working nightshift,” he told the News Letter.

“As we are only working by appointment at the moment, we thought it would be a nice idea to leave the car out for her and we sent her a text telling her to take it and not to worry about payment.”

Retired west Tyrone UUP MLA Ross Hussey was one of many who praised the kind gesture on Twitter.
“Really touching story,” he said, “all credit to them.”

Former Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney was also impressed. “Brilliant,” he added.