Bolton pupils who saved dad and son after brook fall rewarded

YOUNG heroes have been commended by their school for helping a dad and his son in need after they fell into a brook.

The Bolton News reported how Gareth Davies, 37, and his six-year-old autistic son, Matthew, fell 20 foot into Dean Brook.

Gareth’s ankle became caught between two rocks and the dad was left trapped, in pain, and hanging uncomfortably backwards.

He started shouting for help as it was too remote to call an ambulance, when schoolchildren came to his aid.

They cared for Matthew and stayed with Gareth for hours until he was taken to hospital by the emergency services.

After a Bolton News appeal, some of the children who helped have been found and are being rewarded.

This included siblings Liam and Amy Walmsley and Leo Fisher, all in Year Eight at Smithills school.

Headteacher Mike Sidebottom said: "I’m so proud of these pupils, they empowered exactly what Smithills School is all about in the community, which evidently is one of our key values.

“We will be making a big deal out of this and rewarding these pupils for their outstanding contribution in the community.”

James Bunting, a teacher, added: “I just wanted to echo what Mr Sidebottom has said in his praise for our amazing pupils.

“What our pupils did to help goes a long way. Where most would have just walked by, our pupils went above and beyond and I know Mr Davies is grateful for what they did.”

The pupils said they were very glad to help Gareth, and are glad he is recovering now.

Leo said: “I just did what anyone else in my situation would have done at that time, it’s no big deal and I’m glad Mr Davies and his son are okay now.

Liam and Amy said: “We could see Mr Davies was in a great deal of pain and his son was beside himself due to the pain his dad was in. We both sat and talked with his son until the paramedics arrived and tried to calm the situation as much as we could.”

Gareth added: “The way the group of kids looked after Matthew was unbelievable. He is such a handful with his autism, even some family members struggle with him. These kids kept him entertained and loved playing in the brook with him.

“Kids can get a lot of stick these days but these deserve all the credit they can get."

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