"The AA saved me from a burger joint"

"When on a diet I had a relapse and thought about having a big greasy burger with fries. I was vulnerable and gave in to temptation, making the journey to the nearest drive-through.

"I purchased my food and pulled up to a space in the car park. After the two whole minutes it took me to polish off the large but satisfying meal, I tried to get rid of the evidence, placing the rubbish and any incriminating debris in the bin.

"As I got back in my car, ready to drive off, I noticed that my clutch pedal was higher than normal which was a bit concerning. I nevertheless turned on my engine and went to slip my burger-fresh smelling vehicle into reverse, itching to leave the premises without anyone seeing me. But when I tried to, I simply couldn’t change gears as the clutch completely snapped.

"Darn it," I shouted out loud. All sorts of thoughts went through my head: "How was I going to get out? Who was going to help me? Who do I call?"

"Panic ran through me as I cringed at being in the most embarrassing place to break down, but then I thought of the AA. I called up and within 30 minutes a lovely man came to my rescue. He had a look to see what was the matter with my clutch, shining just a torch at the pedal. When he told me it was a screw that snapped and all he had to do was put in a replacement one, I was so relieved.

"I got back home just in time for tea. Uh-oh!"

Shelley Martland, AA Member