Schoolboy lifesavers

Photo: Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

HEROES: (from back, left) Jack Mayberry-Bamforth, Chf Supt Tim Forber and George Mellors. Front: Jack Smyth and James O'Brien.

Award for quick-thinking quartet
A LIFESAVING set of school pals who sprang to the aid of an elderly woman have been commended for their quick-thinking actions.

The North Chadderton School pupils, all aged between 11 and 12, were walking home from classes when they heard the screams of an 88-year-old woman who had smashed her head on the front door of her home.

George Mellors, Jack Smyth, James O’Brien and Jack Mayberry-Bamforth provided first aid to the pensioner who had broken a wrist and was bleeding heavily from a 2in cut.

They also called for an ambulance in rapid time.

This morning, the four lads were awarded the Chief Superintendent’s Community Award in front of proud family, friends and pupils.

Jack Mayberry-Bamforth said: "We heard her crying for help. When we went into the house I phoned the ambulance while the others waited with her.

“The 999 call-taker gave me the instructions to tell the others what to do and we waited with her until the ambulance came.

“I thought she was going to die but we have been brought up not seeing people bleeding and leaving them.”

Jack Smyth added: “She had a big cut and she was really cold and shaking.

“When we went in the house we saw blood trailing from her door to her kitchen."

The accident happened in November when the woman fell head-first into the door as she attempted to pick up some mail. She frantically crawled to the side door of the property and cried for help, alerting the boys into action.

With three of the pupils comforting the pensioner and stemming the bleeding with a cloth, the other, called 999 taking instructions until paramedics arrived.

The woman has since made a full recovery and is back at home.

Chief Superintendent Tim Forber who presented the award, said: “I am really pleased to hand this award to these four young men who have been absolutely fantastic — they should be really proud of themselves.”

This is only the second such award to be handed out — the first was presented to fellow North Chadderton pupil Melissa Faulkner (15) who heroically stepped in when a man was being attacked on a bus in Oldham back in April.

Deputy head Judi White said: “We are all very proud of their actions.

“They have been really good ambassadors for the school by showing their respect for care within the community and in school.”