Poulton cabbie saved my life
Rescuer Ken Allday (left), and Frank Shaw
A PENSIONER hailed his friend a hero after he was dramatically rescued from a canal.
Frank Shaw was on a two-day holiday in Wyre when he tripped on friend Ken Allday's boat and plunged into the water.
The 68-year-old, who cannot swim, was sinking in eight-foot deep water when Mr Allday, a Poulton taxi driver, jumped in and dragged him to safety.
Mr Shaw, of Farnworth, near Bolton, says he owes his life to his friend's quick-thinking.
He said: "We were just getting out of the boat after meeting with Ken and his wife Linda, who were having a cruise for a couple of days.
"It was late, around 10pm, so it was pitch black when I tripped on the ring that the boat had been moored to.
"Everything went black, it was the most terrifying experience of my life, and I fell head first into the canal, which was icy cold.
"I thought I was going to drown but suddenly Ken was dragging me to the bank of the canal. He and Irene both helped to drag me out and it was so fraught that I must have twisted my knee on the way out.
"Ken is a real hero. He saved my life and I can't say how grateful I am to him."
The drama happened on the Lancaster Canal at Bilsborrow. Mr Shaw had been staying with his wife Irene at Duncombe House and had been paying a visit to Mr Allday's boat.
Mrs Shaw, 66, watched in horror with her sister Joyce Hayes.
She said: "It was awful to witness. I panicked and tried to grab him, but I couldn't get hold of him.
"I don't know what I would have done if Ken hadn't been there - he's a hero."
Mr Allday, 62, who works for Poulton Cabs on Blackpool Old Road, and lives most of the year on his canal boat at Garstang, said: "Frank and Irene had just said their goodbyes to us after paying a visit. Seconds later I heard Irene screaming.
"Frank had gone completely under the water, so I just dived in. I had to search for him for a few seconds, then I discovered him and dragged him to the bank.
"I didn't know he couldn't swim until that happened and Frank was very shaken.
"We've been good friends for 30 years so I'm just glad he's OK."