Heroes save life of Burnley fisherman in water plunge drama

FAMILY of a fisherman who suffered a heart attack at a popular Burnley angling spot paid tribute to the heroes who saved his life.

Brian Pound (45), of Caernarvon Avenue, was overcome with pain while fishing in a competition at Cornfield Farm Fishery.

The father-of-two, who suffered another heart attack just weeks before, fell into the water at the competition.

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A brave pensioner dived in to save Brian and helped drag him out to the bank where friends administered CPR until paramedics arrived.

Brian’s partner Lesley Moat said their selfless actions saved his life.

“It was really quick thinking. They heard Brian go into the water and went straight in for him and managed to get him out.

“There were a few of his friends working on him at the side of the bank. The worked continuously as a team doing CPR on him. They just said it was instinct and they did what they had to do.

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“It saved his life. The paramedics said it made their job a lot easier when they arrived. It could have been a lot different.”

Brian, a life-long member of Pendle, Burnley and District Angling Club, was rushed to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

“He was in the critical care unit for three weeks and had pneumonia. But Brian is a fighter. All the doctors said he is a strong man – a very strong man. It is going to be a long, long road for him. But it gives us incredible hope.

“The ambulance service and critical care staff at the Royal Blackburn Hospital have been fantastic.”

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Brian, who owns a garage business started by his father in Accrington Road, is now waiting for a bed to free up at a specialist brain injury rehabilitation unit at Burnley General Hospital.

Lesley says he has been surrounded by friends and family, including his children Hayden (18) and Chloe (19), and hopes are he can make a full recovery.

She said: “He is such a popular man. Everyone knows him. I can’t even go to the shop without people asking about him. Everyone is just rooting for him.

“I want to thank Ronnie Cheetham, Lee Carling and all the Tim Bobbin lads. They have been doing so much for Brian – visiting him and helping me out. They have all been there for us.”

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A special charity fishing match was held at Lowerhouse Lodge last Sunday and a raffle is being held to raise money for him. Lesley is waiting to find the final total raised, but thanked everyone involved for their efforts.

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