Student Bethany Porter appealed on Facebook for help getting to the Crawley-based airport in West Sussex as she was worried about getting a train or public transport in the midst of the UK coronavirus epidemic because of issues with her immune system.
She received treatment last year for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer which affects the blood. Survivors often have compromised immune systems.
Her mother Katie (46), who moved to Jersey last year with her husband James (46), the associate rector at the Town Church, said her daughter had been originally due to fly home with Flybe but after they collapsed her next best option was Gatwick.
Mrs Porter sent a plea on Facebook which was met by an old family friend – Su [CORR] Johnson, who they knew from a church in West Horsley, Surrey, but had not spoken to for at least five years.
Mrs Johnson drove to collect Miss Porter on Wednesday and got her to Gatwick – just in time.
‘I was really relieved and incredibly grateful because Bethany was starting to get anxious,’ said Mrs Porter. ‘Just the fact that somebody would be prepared to get in their car and drive all that way.’
The government has advised against all non-essential travel out of the Island and some routes have been suspended.
Mrs Porter, who lives in St Clement, added: ‘I think for all of us our world has just got a lot smaller in some ways and it will be a much better place if we are all looking out for those around us and stopping to take the time to see whether we can do something positive or help someone else around us.
‘Whether that is checking on a neighbour or making sure people are okay with basic things like groceries or asking about their friends or families overseas, it’s great to look out for each other.’
Miss Porter (21) studies music at the University of Salford and is in her first year. Her mother said it is unlikely the university will resume lectures until after the summer.
