2:40pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Claire Fry
A DOG walker has appealed for help in tracking down a good samaritan who helped in her hour of need.
Gwen Clifford says she was aided by someone as she rescued her son’s dog from the river Severn – but she has no recollection of who that person was.
She had been walking her son’s collie Ginny and her own dog Tess around Worcester Racecourse when Ginny fell into the river.
She was struggling in the water and unable to get out so Mrs Clifford, of Fernhill Heath, went to save her.
The 65-year-old, who is still in shock over what happened, said it was very traumatic.
She said: “I was terrified. Ginny is 10 years old and I knew she would not be able to swim for very long.
“In panic, I scrambled down the muddy bank and after several traumatic minutes, eventually managed to grab Ginny by her collar and drag her out.
“I then faced the task of getting back up the very muddy bank, well aware that one false move would send me sliding down the bank into the river.
“I remember getting to the top of the bank and then my next memory is sitting in my car in my drive at home feeling very disorientated.
“I have no recollection of what happened in between, it must have been the shock.
“Someone must have come to my assistance because on my driving seat I found a large towel, evidently placed there by some kind person to protect the upholstery from my very muddy clothing.”
Still not able to recall all of the events, Mrs Clifford is now wanting to thank the person – or people – who helped her on Tuesday, February 22, at about 11.30am on the path leading from the racecourse buildings towards the old waterworks.
Mrs Clifford said she thinks the shock of what happened has brought on amnesia and has appealed for her good samaritan to step forward.
She said: “Do you recognise me and the dog? Did you meet me on the river bank? Did you help me to my car? Did you place the towel on my seat?
“If so, please make contact so I can thank you personally. My son Douglas and husband Derry are also very keen to thank you.”
If you helped Mrs Clifford or know someone who did, contact reporter Claire Fry on 01905 742263 or e-mail cf@worcesternews.co.uk.
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