On a recent Saturday, two days before I was to attend hospital to be prepared for the removal of a cancerous tumour from my thigh, the turbo on my 2004 Nissan diesel X-Trail failed. I was able to get it into a local Nissan dealer and hire their 'courtesy' car so I could still get to the hospital 50 miles away for the operation, and for my wife to visit after. The total bill came to £2260, a very large amount for a pensioner to find!

I wrote to Nissan's Customer Service Dept after being discharged from hospital to ask if there was any chance of a goodwill contribution to the cost. This was more in hope than anticipation, as the car was long out of warranty. To my amazement, after I had supplied my service history, Nissan agreed to reimburse the full cost, including the car hire. The motor trade does not always enjoy a good reputation, and despite the harsh financial climate, Nissan UK was prepared to be compassionate and generous in their response to my emotionally and financially stressful situation.