Support worker salutes hero life-saver Blake

Blake Walker

A warm-hearted Oldham man has been hailed as a hero and a life-saver after he came to the aid of an elderly gentleman who had threatened to commit suicide.

Blake Walker, who himself has a history of mental health issues and is supported by care organisation KeyRing in Oldham, carried out his heroics after coming across a man in clear distress on Barker Street estate in Oldham.

Lee Chatterley, from the KeyRing Living Support Network, told the Chronicle: “KeyRing supports vulnerable adults to live independently and gain life skills.

“Blake is of the males who I support and he has showed tremendous bravery and courage when this incident happened yesterday (Thursday).

“When walking out of his flat, Blake spotted that an older gentleman had attempted to take his life over some railings.

“Blake struggles with his own mental health had to think fast, and in doing so, he carried the man down from the railings and placed him into the recovery position and quickly called 999.

“He listened carefully to all instructions given to him and carried these out to the best of his ability.

“Blake remained calm in a situation that was quite distressing, and managed to save this man's life before he was taken away in an ambulance for treatment.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.