SASHA HORNE
WNCT
Reprinted with Permission

AYDEN, NC - A Good Samaritan helped save the life of a blind woman whose home caught on fire. The fire broke out shortly after eleven in Pitt County on Cal Jones Road near Ayden. The home had been in the family of Ann Vandiford for three generations and it's the same home where her late mother was born.


"There's just too many memories, i'm ..i'm just touched for words, i just really emotional time..." said Danny Vandiford, brother of the fire victim.

But even after losing it all, Danny is grateful that his sister made it out alive.

Ann has been blind since she was seventeen, and earlier this afternoon she was cooking in her kitchen when the fire broke out.

A Good Samaritan saw the smoke in the distance and came rushing over.

When he arrived he found, Ann Vandiford in the back doorway of the home, she was still trying to fight the fire.

Vandiford's hair was singed and she burned her neck. She was transported to Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

"I don't think it's anything life threatening though, thank you Jesus, she's doing fine," said Danny Vandiford.

The man who helped save Vandiford wanted to remain anonymous. Her family, knows he was her angel, and they are just grateful that she is alive.

The Pitt County American Red Cross is helping the family. If you are interested in making a donation contact the Red Cross at (252)-355-3800 to get a list of items the family needs.

Donations can be dropped off at the Timouthy Christian Church located at 9657 County Home Road in Ayden.