Grateful mum hails good Samaritan
Boy helps get wheelchair back onto pavement
A mum has praised a kindhearted schoolboy who rushed to her and her son’s aid when she became stuck at the side of the road with his wheelchair.
Catherine Pettigrew from Lindsayfield had picked up 14-yearold Thomas from St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School and was walking home along Murray Road.
But she became stuck on the road – struggling to manoeuvre Thomas’s wheelchair over a troublesome high kerb.
After a good 10 minutes or so of struggling, a little angel – in the form of a young boy from nearby Heathery Knowe Primary School – came to her aid. Thomas and I had already had a bit of a hike,” Catherine told the News.
“I would normally have picked Thomas up from school in the car but it was in the garage as they had to keep it longer than I originally thought.
“We had managed along Murray Road, getting up on to the pavement at lowered kerbs, but as we got near Heathery Knowe I think I came across the only high kerb along the entire stretch of road.
“I got the wheelchair down off the pavement but for the life of me couldn’t bump it back up on to the pavement.”
But when the schoolboy, who was heading home, saw Catherine and Thomas in a bit of a pickle, he didn’t hesitate to help.
Catherine went on: “I couldn’t believe it when this little boy, who I think is called Jack, came right over and said not to worry, he would help.
“He kept an eye out for traffic, telling me when it was clear to move back to try and get the best run at the pavement, told me the best direction to go in, where would be best to aim the wheels and helped me manoeuvre.
“Between us we got there and I got Thomas back up on to the pavement.”
Catherine added: “I just couldn’t get over how kind and thoughtful this little boy was.
“He was so helpful and he really did know what he was talking about – after 10 minutes or so of struggling on my own he got us back on our way relatively quickly.
“Before he came along I was beginning to panic.
“It was hard trying to move the wheelchair back and forward with traffic coming in both directions.
“I just want to say a big thank you to him. He was a little star and really helped us out a tricky situation. “He was just fabulous.” •Do you know who the hero schoolboy is? Call the newsdesk on (01698) 283200.
Before he came along I was beginning to panic...