Catch of the day for life-savers

LIFE-savers . . . Chris Tetlow (left) and Ryan Bailey

TWO first-aid heroes who saved a footballer’s life have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Chris Tetlow and Ryan Bailey rushed to help 22-year-old Sam Widdall when he collapsed with a heart attack on the football pitch.

The quick-thinking pair carried out heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as Sam turned blue, keeping him alive until paramedics arrived.

They showed the importance of learning how to do resuscitation and have been nominated in the special achievement category of the awards.

Trainee physiotherapist Ryan (25), of Newark Park Way, Royton, said of being nominated: “It’s brilliant. It was a very strange experience and something I will never forget but I’m very proud of what I did. It’s been quite an amazing experience really.”

Chris (29), of Buttercup Drive, Moorside, said: “I’m really pleased. You don’t expect it.

“I had done a first-aid course with the Army years ago and another through work. You go through all the scenarios but when you are faced with one you just kind of do it.

“I’m proud of what I did and, while I wouldn’t want to be faced with it a second time, I’d do it again.”

He revealed that heroics run in the family, as his dad dragged a man from a house fire 30 years ago.

The drama unfolded minutes into a Sunday League match in Shaw between Chris and Sam’s team, FC Broadgate, and Ryan’s Crompton and Royton side in January.

Ryan began chest compressions as Chris made sure Sam’s airways stayed open, while a supporter dialled 999. The emergency operator guided them and reassured them they were doing the right thing.

Sam, from Pennine Avenue, Chadderton, recovered and had a defibrillator fitted to shock his heart into action if it stops in the future.

Chris, who works in construction, added: “He’s been given a clean bill of health and he’s our captain and plays football every week. He’s a fighter.”

The life-saving pair have already been presented with certificates of commendation from the North West Ambulance Service for their actions.