Hero runner helps save dog walker from drowning

Updated: 1pm Wednesday, 6th January following a conversation with Tom Lavin, the gentleman who fell in the River Bollin. Originally published 4th January.

A 57-year-old man who was out walking his dog was saved from drowning after his slipped into the River Bollin.

The incident happened just before 3pm this afternoon, Monday 4th January, when Tom Lavin was walking his dog Inky alongside the River Bollin near the Twinnies Bridge car park.

Fortunately Richard Main who was running on the opposite side of the river, on his way back from Quarry Bank, was alerted to the incident by a lady shouting for help.

Richard explained "I saw this man in the water clinging to the bank. I ran round the other side and when I found he couldn't use his left arm I used his dog's lead to hold onto him and stop him being swept away."

The lady called emergency services who arrived on the scene very quickly.

Richard added "Tom had been in the water a while and was shivering a lot from cold and shock.

"A police officer eventually made it along the muddy bank with a rope and between the two of use we were able to pull Tom most of the way out by putting the rope around him. Lots of passers-by then helped get him out of his clothes and away to the paramedics."

Tom was near the waters edge on a steep bank when he slipped and his feet went from underneath him and he ended up in the river.

Richard continued "I'm just glad he's OK and pleased the emergency services arrived so quickly as a few minutes more could have been dangerous in those cold, fast flowing waters.

"On reflection, the absence of any life rings or ropes on the river is also worrying."

Tom, who lives in Hale and is a regular fell runner, was checked out by paramedics at the scene and deemed to be OK, he did not need to attend hospital. Tom was then reunited with his dog Inky.

Tom has since contacted me so I can put him in touch with Richard.

He told me " I couldn't stand up as the water was too deep and there was nothing to hold on to. There was no chance of getting out. I grabbed on to a branch but it just came away in my hand.

"It was too dangerous to try and move, I couldn't take the risk of swimming in such heavy clothing."

Tom added "I am very very grateful to the people who helped me, provided me with reassurance and called the emergency services. I would also like to thank Julie Dickson who looked after my dog, she took Inky away and I would lie to exonerate Inky from having any involvement."

Tom continued "I do a lot of risky things in life, including a to of fell running and something like this is one of the most innocuous situations to find myself in. Thank you to the emergency services and paramedic Hannah who was absolutely fantastic.

"Thank you to the good people of Wilmslow from a resident of hale. I will go back as I don't perceive The Carrs as being an area of regular danger. Next time though I'll make sure I've got decent footwear on."

A fire engine from Wilmslow and one from Stockport were called to the incident at 2.58pm. However, they were not needed at the scene as Tom had been rescued prior to their arrival.