Honour for River Lark life-saver Paul Kinley

A life-saving father has been honoured after he stopped a man from drowning in the River Lark.

Paul Kinley, 63, clung on to the 89-year-old after his wife Gillian heard his cries for help when they were out for a walk in Bury St Edmunds on July 2.

The couple had earlier encountered the man – they believe his name is Edmund – walking between Kevelaer Way and Rougham Road.

On their return walk, Gillian heard a quiet voice cry ‘will someone help me’. After searching they discovered the man had slipped down the bank into the river and was hanging on ‘for dear life’.

Paul said: “I jumped down and he was telling me to hang on to his walking stick. It was impossible for me to drag him out as he was in too deep.”

Paul started talking to the man to keep him calm, while Gillian ran up and down the footpath unsuccessfully looking for someone to help.

“I was trying to hold on to him and get my phone out of my pocket to call the emergency services,” said Paul, but when the police arrived about 20 minutes later the rope they brought was not suitable for a rescue attempt and the fire service was called.

“I don’t know how I hung on to him all that time,” said Paul. “I just kept talking.”

The fire service rescued the 89-year-old by walking through the river.

“Had I not held on to him I don’t know how he would have survived. If it hadn’t been for Gillian, I wouldn’t have heard him shout,” said Paul.

“It was a real team effort between myself, my wife, the police and fire service – who did a great job of getting him out – and the ambulance.”

Paul and Gillian were later told ‘Edmund’ had recovered.

Gillian said: “We are so thankful we were able to help.”

Now, Paul is to be awarded a Royal Humane Society certificate of commendation.

Andrew Chapman, society secretary, said: “Paul was the right person in the right place at the right time. He didn’t hesitate to go to the man’s aid and as a result the man survived. Police have said the quick thinking and life-saving action of Paul played a major role in saving the man’s life. He richly deserves the award.”

Paul added: “I was shocked to get the award, but I was happy to hear that Edmund was okay. He was a very determined man.”

• Do you know ‘Edmund’? Contact 01284 757857 or news@buryfreepress.co.uk