Schoolboys presented with award after saving man from drowning in river

Students from Brookfield Community School receive the Laverick Award from East Midlands Ambulance Service for saving a man that fell in the river at Somersall Park, pictured from left are Joe Davis, George Beresford, heart teamleader Grant Whiteside and Louie Grayson

Youngsters Joe Davis, George Beresford and Louie Grayson were walking home from Brookfield Community School when they found a man who was in difficulties in the River Hipper.

The teens called 999 and met the ambulance crew at the entrance to Somersall Park before encouraging the man to move towards the river bank and helping him to safety.

Grant Whiteshead, HART team leader, said: “When we got to the emergency the boys were so calm. I honestly believe that without their actions we would have been called to a body recovery situation. Their quick-thinking and team work undoubtedly saved a life that evening.”

The boys have since been presented with a Laverick Award. in memory of paramedic team leader Nick Laverick, who tragically lost his battle with cancer, aged 37 in 2013.

Anya Donald, a paramedic from Mereway who is part of the Laverick team, said: “Nick always showed professionalism, courage and dignity, not only for his patients but himself particularly during the last few months of his life.

“He was not only a colleague but a friend to us all.”