Punting pensioner saved after shop staff noticed his absence

A pensioner has said he owes his life to staff at his local betting shop who raised the alarm after he failed to appear to place his usual wagers.

Diabetic Michael Base collapsed at his home in Diss, Norfolk, and spent four days in a diabetic coma.

His absence was eventually noticed by Jamie Scales and Jack Bell, employees at the local Betfred shop, who after four days without seeing Base come in to place his twice-daily bets decided to investigate.

They got no answer at Base's home and called police when they spotted his tartan bag, which he was reportedly never seen without.

"I don't think Jamie and Jack saved my life – I know they did," 72-year-old Base said.

"I don't really know how I ended up on the floor in a coma at home but it was obviously to do with my diabetes. I was only a few yards from my tablets but couldn't reach them."

Base spent a month in hospital following the incident and is now being cared for at a local care home. Staff at the home reported that Base "certainly loves his racing" and are said to be planning a trip to the Betfred shop.

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