An 88-year-old man has praised two teenage girls who he says saved his life after he fell outside his home.

George Rea, of Highfield Road, Cleator Moor, had gone for an evening stroll when he fell on wet ground and, unable to stand up, had crawled in the dark to his garden gate.

Mr Rea’s daughter, Anne Gardner, said: “Dad was panicking and shouting for help. He was so relieved when he heard the girls shout ‘Are you okay?’.”

Abbie Cullum, 14, of Cleator Moor, and Kirby Rumney, 14, of Mirehouse, who were passing, helped Mr Rea up and into his home and stayed while he called Anne.

“They waited until I got there, didn’t want any thanks or fuss, and then left,’’ said Anne.


George Rea Mr Rea, who was left bruised and shaken by the fall, has now recovered and said he wanted to thank the girls “for saving my life” and was grateful for “their kindness shown to a stranger’’.

Anne subsequently appealed on Facebook and she was able to trace Abbie and Kirby to thank them.

“It was brave of them to get involved,’’ she added.

“Dad’s neighbours were away and it could have been so much worse if he had been laying there for hours.

“We are just so grateful and wanted to thank them publicly.’’

Lyndsey McAlay, Kirby’s mum, said: “I am proud of both girls. It is lovely to see teenagers acting in such a caring way.”