Teenage ‘samaritans’honoured by council

Mayor Andrew Ewing and Jonathan Poots from PSNI congratulate schoolboys Matthew Mackin, Jamie Fleming, Jack McKee and Jordan Fleming, from Forthill and Lisnagarvey schools, who came to the rescue of a man who had fallen from his mobility scooter on the Lagan tow-path. After attempting to repair the damaged scooter, the boys then phoned for a taxi to ensure he got home safely. Mayor Ewing and the police described the boys as local heroes and praised them for coming to the man's assistance. The police said the man could otherwise have been left stranded on a lonely stretch of the tow-path for a considerable period as it was getting dark at the time. US1450-510cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

A reception was recently held for the boys in the Mayor’s Parlour at Lisburn City Council to honour their actions.

The boys were nominated for the reception by Lisburn PSNI who were delighted with their response to the situation.

The four boys, Jordan and Jamie Fleming, Jack McKee and Matthew Mackin, were at the Lagan Towpath, near Hilden, when they came across a local man who had injured himself having fallen off his mobility scooter and, due to the damage caused to the scooter, had been left stranded.

The boys assisted the injured man and managed to get him and his scooter to the roadside where they arranged for a taxi, specifically ordering a taxi which could accommodate wheelchairs, to take the gentleman home as well as persuading a local resident to store the damaged scooter.

Lisburn PSNI said the man could otherwise have been left stranded on a lonely stretch of the Towpath for a considerable period as it was getting dark at the time.

Praising the boys actions, Constable Jonathan Poots said, “When I arrived at the scene the boys had worked together getting the injured gentleman and his damaged scooter to safety and had organised a taxi to get him home. These teenagers are a great example of ‘good samaritans’.”

Hosting the reception, Lisburn City Council Mayor, Councillor Andrew Ewing, said the boys actions had prevented the gentleman from being left stranded along the Towpath.

“I am so proud of these young men as I am sure are their families, friends and schools, and their acts of kindness and good citizenship are an example to us all.

“With today’s young people so often in the line of fire for criticism, it is wonderfully uplifting to be able to recognise the goodness that exists in our community as demonstrated by these fine young men,” said Councillor Ewing.

Three of the boys, Jamie and Jordan Fleming and Jack McKee, attend Lisnagarvey High School.

Lisnagarvey Principal Jim Sheerin said he was delighted with the boys’ reaction.

“I’m delighted to see such maturity and responsibility in an age when teenagers often get a bad press. Well done,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Matthew Mackin, who attends Forthill College, was praised for his actions by his school.

Assistant Vice Principal John Houston, said: “The school is very pleased and proud one of our pupils would go out of their way to help someone in need in Lisburn.”