River Weaver rescue hero wins bravery award (From Warrington Guardian)

River Weaver rescue hero wins bravery award

A FINANCIAL consultant who rescued a pensioner from the River Weaver has been presented with an award by Cheshire Fire Service.

The Chief Fire Officer Meritorious Action Award is presented to individuals who, by their actions, prevented loss of life or put themselves in danger to assist someone else.

Simon Henning, 26, was walking to work in Northwich town centre on June 4 when a woman alerted him that an elderly man had fallen into the river and was struggling to keep his head above water.

Simon, who lives in Manchester, threw the pensioner a rope and pulled him to the riverbank.

The quayside was 6ft high and he could not haul the man to safety, so Simon assured him help was on the way.

After jumping on the pensioner's craft and securing his boat he kept the elderly man's head above the water until help arrived.

The officer at the scene said: "The actions of Simon saved the life of this man."