Father-of-one Andy Jones has personally thanked the school students who came to his rescue after he collapsed while out walking his dog.

Four Alder Community High School students raced into action when they spotted Andy collapse after he suffered a suspected seizure.

Year 10 pupils Jake Cookson, Sam Willerton and James Leader, were reunited with Andy at a special meeting last Friday where they were praised by their headteacher Richard O’Regan and Tameside Council Executive Member for Education, Councillor Leanne Feeley. Student Logan Fuller, who was also praised for his actions, was away in London on the day. 

However, it was the first time the students and Andy had sat down together and discussed the events of the day of his rescue.

On Thursday, October 6, Andy explained that he had been walking his dog along the Trans Pennine Trail, close to Waverley Road, Gee Cross, Hyde, when he began to feel unwell. 

It’s believed the 47-year-old suffered a seizure and he subsequently tumbled onto a disused railway track.

Andy said: “I began to feel unwell and realised I needed to go home and turned back but that was the last thing I remember and I was out like a light.

“The next thing I remember was being on a stretcher with electrodes stuck to me and a paramedic over me speaking to me asking my name.

“I didn’t know where I was or where the dog was as I was stretchered into the back of an ambulance.”

Andy was whisked off to hospital totally oblivious that the four lads had come to his rescue.

Two of the boys had in fact placed Andy in the recovery position and provided first aid while the other two called an ambulance and went to the street to meet paramedics and then guide them to where Andy lay unconscious. 

They also cared for Andy’s anxious dog, retrieved and returned his mobile phone, keys and money that had been scattered when he fell, and stayed with him until he was safe.

Andy spent the night at Tameside Hospital and much of the following day undergoing tests and scans, but was ultimately given the all clear. 

“It was only when my girlfriend visited me in hospital that I became aware of what had happened and she explained what the lads had done,” he said.

From left, Alder Community High School Year 10 Progress & Pastoral Manager Jacky Robertson, headteacher Richard O’Regan, James Leader, Sam Willerton, Andy Jones, Jake Cookson and Cllr Leanne Feeley.

When Andy came out of hospital he was determined to track down the boys to thank them personally.

Andy, a floor layer, added: “What happened was straight out of the blue and was a shock. It’s all a bit of a blur. It’s very lucky that they were there and as quickly as they were. If it wasn’t for the lads I hate to think how long I could have been there. Kids get a bad reputation these days and I wanted to thank them. 

“They are all top kids. I will always be indebted to them for what they did for me. They deserve credit and they are a credit to the school.

“I am first aid trained myself, and have said before this incident on numerous occasions that I think basic first aid should be part of the national curriculum from the earliest age possible.”

Meeting at the school last Friday the boys explained in full their actions - the first time Andy had heard all about the events of the day.

“I am forever indebted to them - they did all the right things at the right time and undoubtedly the first aid training they received helped.”

The lads explained in detail their actions, how they had spotted Andy collapse, raced to his aid, calmed his dog and placed him in the recovery position.

Two of the lads called for the ambulance and went to wait for it on the road and when it arrived,  guided the paramedics to Andy. 

Rescue

Sam said: “I did the Duke of Edinburgh scheme earlier this year which is how I knew about the recovery position. As soon as we got closer to Andy we could see that he was shaking. 

“James called the ambulance and I told Jake how to put Andy in the recovery position. Then I ran up to the road to get the road name - told James and then waited up there for the ambulance.” 

The lads said that they weren’t frightened by the situation, but were concerned for Andy and their natural instinct was to help him.

All said learning first aid  and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme had been highly beneficial in helping.

The pupils had done their first aid training through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, facilitated by the school. All four were presented with their Altruism Badge by headteacher Richard O’Regan.

After listening to the story of how the boys had helped Andy, he said: “I’m sitting here with a tear in my eye listening to them, and also thinking could I at 14 have done what they did?

“It’s an incredible story. We don’t know how long Andy might have been there if they had not been present and if there might have been any further complications - they could have saved his life. I also appreciate Andy coming into the school to thank them.

“I’m extremely proud of Jake, Logan, Sam and James, whose actions embody the ethos of the school.

“They showed quick thinking and stayed calm under pressure to use their first aid skills and alert the emergency services. They acted in such a caring and compassionate way to ensure that Andy was safe and I’m delighted that he has recovered.

“Our school encourages first aid training through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and this incident shows how valuable this is and how well these pupils retained their training.”

Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “Jake, Logan, Sam and James are a real credit to their school. It was a pleasure to meet them and thank them on behalf of Tameside for their quick actions which could have prevented a much more serious outcome. Thank goodness they were there and able to act so calmly and carefully.

“It just goes to show the value of learning first aid, you never know when it might be needed and, as in this case, it can prove vital.”

She added: “You’re local heroes for what you’ve done - it’s a good reflection on the young people of Alder and Tameside.”

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