Funny thing, Steve. I had similar with a starter motor. Did not have Mother in tow but was going to see her in hospital. I get Green Flag cover through RBS. He fixed the starter with a big hammer and suggested a local garage that would lend me a car (For free! In Yorkshire!) until mine was properly fixed. All went as well as you described and it cost me similar to yours.

There are some good people about. Restores my faith in human nature :-)