A GAS man from Kidderminster showed up at a pensioner's home just in time to call an ambulance as his body began to "shut down".

Retired hairdresser Paul Parker was struggling to breathe when Oakleaf gas engineer Ricky Round arrived to discuss fitting a new radiator on October 1.

The 72-year-old was given just five years to live when he was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease two years ago and now relies on an oxygen machine to breathe.

"Mr Parker answered the door and I could see straight away he was very out of breath and struggling to breathe," Ricky told The Shuttle.

"I took him into the living room and sat him down and pressed the alarm to phone an ambulance.

"I kept him company for about 30 minutes until the paramedics arrived and his breathing started to get better. I was worried he was going to collapse so I knew I just needed to keep him calm.

"I've had first aid training through work but it's totally different when it's happening in real life. You don't know how you're going to react in that moment."

Paul said: "My body was shutting down. My throat felt like it was closing and I could hardly breathe.

"If Ricky hadn't came when he did I would have died. I know that."

After spending eight days in hospital, Ricky checked in on Paul and the two have since formed a friendship.

"When Ricky came to my house that day I made a friend for life," said Paul. "Ricky said anyone would have done the same but a lot of people wouldn't have been able to remain so calm in that high pressure situation and also calm me down."

He added: "I've come to terms with my illness - I am going to die, but I'm glad it wasn't on Ricky's shift."