Glossop couple thank their mystery canal hero

A grandfather has praised the quick-thinking actions of an Ashton hero who came to his aid when he fell into the canal.

Alan Corbett and his wife Margaret had hired a canal boat from Portland Basin Marina for the day on Tuesday, September 19.

Unfortunately, Alan slipped into the canal as he was typing up the barge by the marina in Ashton. He had managed to secure the front end, but as he headed to the back and leaned over, he said the wind pushed the boat outwards.

He described the weather as 'rainy and blowy' and said it was around 4pm when they decided to moor.

"I sort of reconciled to the fact I was going to go in," Alan said.

"The water level was at the top of my chest and I had a coat on with three layers underneath, so the heavy, waterlogged clothes made it worse. I was soaked through to the skin and I definitely couldn't have pulled myself out.

"I can't thank the chap enough for heeding my wife's shouts and coming over to so effortlessly help us. Both my wife and I will be eternally grateful for his prompt action."

"I want to say a great big thank you to him, whoever he is," Alan added.

"I was just a bit overwhelmed really and I didn't know what to do - it was all over within fifteen minutes and then off he went with his day, almost as if it was something he does all the time."

The 76-year-old said that the kind stranger had spoken very few words but had offered a casual 'don't mention it' as he continued on with his day, his two dogs trotting alongside him.

The couple, who have lived in Glossop for 17 years, said they 'wish there was a local award' for the man who came to their rescue - not only lifting Alan out of the water but also raising the bridge to allow them through in the moments after.

"We're very grateful," they kept saying.