Hunt for mystery hero who rescued Millie, 6, from freezing canal
A mystery hero plunged into a freezing canal to save a six-year-old before carrying her to safety – and then disappearing.
Millie Chapman tumbled through the ice of the Grand Union Canal, near the Packhorse Bridge, in Aylestone, after slipping while walking her granddad's dog, Abby.
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Millie Chapman with her grandad Peter at the spot where she tripped and fell in
Millie's grandfather Peter Chapman was with her at the time, at about 10am on Monday, and rushed to the canal bank, grabbing her coat as she slipped below the water.
The pensioner, who suffers from problems with his back and arms, managed to keep her afloat, but was unable to lift her out.
He said: "She just tumbled in and went under the water, and there wasn't much I could do about it.
"I'm 77 and not very big and I can't swim, and I could see her face under the water – it was really frightening.
"I knelt at the side of the bank and grabbed her but couldn't pull her out, so I just kept her head above the water and shouted for help.
"I could just see her face looking up, she wasn't saying anything she was just trying to keep her head above water."
Within a few minutes, Peter's cries for help were answered by a man in his late 20s who was walking nearby at the time.
The mystery passer-by jumped into the water and heaved the freezing youngster, who weighs four stone, onto the bank.
He scooped her up and carried her back to her grandparents' home, in Glover Court – about half a mile from the waterway.
There, he took her inside but left before the family got the chance to ask for his name.
Millie, from Aylestone, has made a full recovery. She said: "I don't know how I fell in, I think I might have tripped.
"I fell into the river and landed on my back and the man lifted me out and carried me home. I felt wet and cold.
"He had a blue and white top and he was white and had short hair.
"He was saying nice things to me when he was carrying me – he said I would be okay and I'd be home soon.
"I wanted to say thank you, but he was too fast."
Millie's grandmother ran a bath and wrapped the chattering youngster in towels.
Millie's mum Marie, who also lives in Aylestone, rushed round to see her daughter and bought new clothes for her to change in to.
She said: "We just want to find out who the man is so we can say thank you.
"He saved Millie and it would be lovely to meet him and show our gratitude."
Are you the mystery hero? Call the Mercury newsdesk on 0116 222 4241.
11 Comments
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by emmabrown
Friday, February 17 2012, 11:40AM
“I would just like to say the elderly gentlemen (my grandad), would not do a thing to hurt a fly, all you people that have nothing better to do than cause drama and try to pass the blame on should make better use of their time im sure he feels bad enough about what happened without other people passing the blame on to him.... Just think has an accident ever happened that you may have been responsible for, I'm sure it has, and I'm sure it will again. Stop being judgemental, and be thankful that there was a man there to save the day!!!! I know that my grandparents will be thanking god everyday for the rest of their lives!!!!!!!!!!!”
by robbc7
Thursday, February 16 2012, 2:50PM
“New_Walk_View, this young man has been given a huge amount of recognition thanks to this forum and the word of mouth of people that are full of admiration for him. I AM sure that he'll find out if he hasn't already. Reckon the only thing that's wanted is a thank you from those that were involved BEFORE the media heard about the incident.”
by robbc7
Thursday, February 16 2012, 12:07PM
“Stop moaning about the whys & wherefores regarding the childs grandparents now please. It isn't known 100% as to why she was where she was regardless of above reporting. The 'anonymous' man I would've thought was just that and as munirsoma puts it, 'doesn't desire fame' so why does the LM ask for him to come forward? More money, sales etc. Doesn't really matter. If he wants the pedestal then take it, if not LM, leave it in the cupboard.”
by Opinion8ed
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 7:02PM
“Sorry to see CGLee has such a poor rating. However, may I join him in questioning the wisdom of an elderly man walking with a young child and a dog next to a frozen canal? Yes, the story is heartwarming; yes the stranger was a hero BUT if they had walked the dog along the adjacent Great Central Way the rescue would not have been necessary. Let's not get carried away with sentiment.
@MartinLE3 yes, someone always rises to the mark when they are there, but this is not a busy path. The outcome could have been tragic.”
by Rachel_Leics
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 6:46PM
“What a nice and kind act to do. A young helpless child in need helped by a stranger who is not after thanks as he knows he did the right thing. An act of kindness which we all should look at and follow, God speed to him who and wherever he is now. : ) x
Ps I am so happy that there is a GOOD and HAPPY story in this depressing newspaper so well done for reporting on it. x”
by New_Walk_View
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 6:36PM
“This sounds like a very lucky escape - I can only imagine how relieved Millie's family must be. Her rescuer's courage and modesty does him credit but he shouldn't be shy about coming forward. Such public-spiritedness should never be taken for granted. He deserves some form of recognition.”
by Jani88
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 12:59PM
“What a hero he is - there're still some very good people in this world.”
by CGLee
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 11:10AM
“Good on whoever it was, but if neither child nor grandad can swim, what's he doing taking her for a walk by the canal? Let's hope he's learned his lesson.”
by martin_le3
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 8:46AM
“"4 stones at 6 years. No wonder poor old Grandad had a problem." - the poor girl nearly drowned, and you see it as an opportunity to have a dig about her weight? Nice.”
by martin_le3
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 8:31AM
“Someone always rises to the mark when this type of situation arises, especially if it is a child. Well done to the man that dived into the water without thinking about his own safety.”