Two Scots, Neil McPhee and Tony Lenaghan, have been reunited 60 years after a dramatic incident at Glasgow’s Govan Baths that changed both of their lives. The event took place on September 1, 1965, when Neil, then just 14 years old, suffered an injury and drowned while swimming, with no lifeguards present to assist.

On that fateful day, the swimming facility was crowded, and amidst the chaos, staff began evacuating children from the area, leaving Neil submerged at the bottom of the pool. Upon learning of the incident, Tony Lenaghan, who was 19 at the time, jumped into the water to save Neil. He pulled him out and, despite the grim circumstances, began administering CPR for approximately ten minutes. In his account, Tony recounted, “I turned him upside down and started working away and gradually a pink spot appeared on his cheek that got bigger and bigger.” Eventually, Neil coughed up water and began to breathe again.

In a poignant twist, Neil, now 74 years old, managed to locate Tony, 79, last year after years of searching for the man who had saved his life. Their reunion took place at Glasgow’s City Chambers, where Tony received a new Bravery medal to replace the original one that was stolen from him during a housebreaking incident in 1990. The presentation was facilitated following Neil’s inquiry to the Lord Provost to honour Tony’s courageous act.

Tony, who has had a successful career as a physiotherapist for various football clubs, expressed his emotions upon reconnecting with Neil. “That little boy contacted me. It was quite emotional. He told me he had a fantastic life and if it hadn’t been for me, that wouldn’t have been possible. I burst into tears,” he recounted.

Neil also reflected on the day when his life was saved, explaining that he had been attempting to retrieve a ring that had fallen off his finger when he found himself in distress. After struggling in the water, he remembered reaching out to a friend for help, only to be misjudged and kicked in the face. The last thing he recalled was his struggle before blacking out. He later regained consciousness to find Tony performing CPR on him.

Over the years, Neil had tried to track down his rescuer, motivated by a sense of gratitude for the second chance at life he had received, eventually succeeding in locating Tony through an article in the Daily Record.

Reflecting on their reunion, Neil stated, “Everything I’ve done since the age of 14 is down to Tony.” He subsequently enjoyed a successful career, originally at BT and later as a director of a construction company, before retiring. Neil acknowledged the profound impact that day had on his life trajectory and the bond it created between himself and Tony.

The heartwarming reunion and presentation of the new medal highlights not only the bravery displayed that day but also the enduring connections and stories that can emerge from life-altering events.

Source: Noah Wire Services