Schoolboy saves drowning friend

Jason Blackledge risked his own life to scramble down a steep embankment to drag his unconscious friend from a stream.

Daniel's father, Ian, said: "Jason was remarkable. He saved my son's life and I am eternally grateful to him."

The drama unfolded shortly after 4pm on Friday (Sept 13) as Daniel, Jason, and a group of friends made their way home after leaving Woodhey High School.

Daniel, of Cleveland Close, Ramsbottom, decided to go on a rope swing in nearby Broad Hey Wood, but lost his grip and plunged to the rock-lined stream below.

He said: "I remember swinging out and had gone as far as I could go when I lost my grip. I just remember seeing the logs and rocks below as I fell. I don't remember hitting the ground."

As Daniel lay unconscious in the water, Jason took control of the situation and ordered his friends, who feared Daniel had already died in the fall, to call for help.

Jason (12) of Astley Hall Drive, Ramsbottom, said: "I just rushed down there to see how he was. I had been taught first-aid and just did what I had to do.

"Daniel was lying face down in the water and could have drowned. I pulled him clear and he began to come round. I dragged him up the embankment. I told a number of girls to call an ambulance and to meet us at the bottom of Ripon Hall Avenue."

Daniel suffered only minor cuts and bruising, and a twisted right ankle as a result of the fall. He was kept in overnight for observations at Fairfield General Hospital but allowed to return home on Saturday.

Mr Tonge said: "A number of girls who were in the group thought Daniel was dead after he fell from the rope swing. They were paralysed to the spot.

"Fortunately, Jason's mum had taught him a few basic first-aid skills and he took control of the situation. He dragged Daniel clear from the water and managed to revive him. It was a unbelievable act and I have nothing but praise for Jason."

And Daniel said of Jason: "He is a great friend."