The family of an elderly woman with dementia, who went missing from her home during this week’s freezing weather, are seeking the good samaritan who rescued her.

Brenda Matthews, who uses two walking sticks to get around, travelled more than three miles from her Collier Row house into Romford town centre.

The 80-year-old, who was not wearing a coat and sporting only slippers, was found knocking on doors in Albert Road - where she lived as a child - during Tuesday’s bitter conditions.

Mrs Matthews, who had been asking residents for a cup of tea, was looked after then driven home by a kindly stranger, who the family believes is called Maria and who drives a grey car.

Daughter Caroline Wiggins said: “I have no idea how my mum managed to make it so far alone. She must have got on a bus but she needs help walking across her front room. She walks very, very slowly, and when we go out she uses a wheelchair.

“The streets are so icy yet she managed to make it three-quarters of a mile from the bus stop in Romford to Albert Road. I can’t believe she didn’t have a fall.”

Mrs Matthews, who becomes confused due to vascular dementia, made it safely indoors when a neighbour spotted her being driven up and down their road.

Caroline said: “Her neighbour managed to get Mum home in the warm however in the confusion she did not get the lovely person’s contact details.

“I want to thank them in person for going the extra mile for a very vulnerable person, and bringing my mum home. The driving conditions were terrible.”

She added: “The whole family cannot believe how lucky we were on this occasion. This person is truly a good samaritan.”

If you are this person or know who she is, contact Jane Ball at the Recorder on: 0208 477 3878.