Heacham heroes up for an award
THREE youths who leapt into action when a frail pensioner slipped down a muddy slope into waist-deep water are the latest nominees for a Super Kids award.
The incident happened at Heacham when 85-year-old Valerie Carter was feeding the ducks at Bray's Pit and lost her balance. Her tumble was witnessed by local youngster Jamie Jackson (13), who rushed to get help and returned with his friends Lewis Godfrey (15), and Luke Steadman (16).
They helped her out of the water and up the bank and Jamie ran to the nearby Fridhem Rest Home to raise the alarm.
Mrs Carter said: "I was very lucky. God was kind to me and sent those boys to come and find me. Every night on television you hear stories about 'hoodies' hanging around but you never hear about the good ones."
Mrs Carter was a resident of Neville Court in the village. Freebridge Community Housing scheme manager Marie Rawnsley said the pensioner had a lucky escape and could have been stranded overnight in the pond had she not been spotted in difficulties.
"If they had not been there it could have been fatal. Mrs Carter could not get a grip to pull herself out and could not thank the boys enough. She said they were absolutely wonderful," said Mrs Rawnsley.
Mrs Carter was unhurt but badly shaken by her experience. She later wrote about her experience in the Heacham Newsletter and added: "Our youngsters may be noisy at times but their hearts are in the right place."
The boys have been nominated for a Super Kids bravery award by their mothers.
Jamie's mum, Cheryl, said: "He was very thoughtful and helpful. I'm very proud of him."
Lewis's mum, Irene, praised her son and his friends for rescuing Mrs Carter from uncertainty.
Luke's mum, Liz, said the boys showed great initiative and organisation in helping Mrs Carter and were compassionate and caring while looking after her until an ambulance arrived.
"I am very proud of what Luke and his friends did, although they all play it down as 'just something you do in that situation'."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
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