Barbara, 77, relives river-rescue drama

BARBARA OGDEN, pictured in yesterday’s Chronicle, is led to safety after being rescued

‘Lynne is a real hero, a brave lady’

THE woman at the centre of a dramatic river rescue operation talked today about her escape.

Seventy-seven-year-old Barbara Ogden, from Dukinfield, was saved from serious injury by a Delph pensioner after she plunged into the River Tame on Sunday.

Mrs Ogden was visiting Delph with a friend, Susan Allen (58), both amateur painters, to take photographs at local beauty spots.

Mrs Ogden fell eight feet into the freezing, fast-flowing water at a small road bridge spanning the river, as her terrified friend sought help.

Mrs Ogden was saved by local resident Lynne Clayton (64), who is just five ft tall. She jumped into the river to help the shocked woman.

Mrs Ogden said: “Lynne is a real hero. She’s an incredibly brave lady.

“I remember standing on the bridge with my friend then suddenly I was in the water in a deep state of shock.”

Susan Allen said: “Barbara said she wanted to take a picture and she reached out to touch the top bar of the bridge.

“There was a click and the next thing she was in the water. I was terrified as there seemed to be no one around and I could not get into the river to reach her because of the steep sides. If the water had been deeper I don’t know what would have happened.”

Other locals, including Barbara McDonald and David Cook, helped in the rescue. Police, fire, ambulance and Oldham Mountain Rescue Team rushed to the scene.

Mrs Ogden was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and discharged after a check-up.

Recovering at her home today she said: “I am covered in bruises but if it had not been for Lynne I dare not think of the possible consequences.

“As it is, I have lost a valuable digital camera, my handbag and its contents. But things could have been much worse.”

One of the rescuers, Barbara McDonald, said: “Everyone is just so pleased that Mrs Ogden is safe and recovering from her ordeal.”