TO some he is “eco-grandad” and trusty village gardener, to others a friend in time of need.
Fewer folk in Maryburgh, though, will know that 80-year-old Tom Thomas is also a helicopter crash hero.
In January 1990, when a chopper carrying three police officers and a civilian pilot plummeted out of control into a luxury block of flats, Mr Thomas didn’t flinch.
On the scene within seconds, his first impulse in the swirling snow was to run towards, rather than away from danger, before helping pull three survivors to safety.
Sadly, one police constable lost his life in the tragedy at Giffnock’s Eastwood Toll. No one else was seriously hurt.
Tom-Tom – as he is also affectionately known – later attended the Queen’s Garden Party and received a Chief Constable’s letter of commendation, but modestly declined a police bravery award.
It might be said the selfless act of bravery sums up the pensioner’s outlook on life.
Despite growing up in difficult circumstances in one of Scotland’s most deprived…
