PM Andy Burnham hails four Wigan pupils for setting 'a really brilliant example' with act of kindness

Prime minister Andy Burnham recorded a message praising four Wigan teenagers who came to the aid of an elderly woman when she fell.

The Byrchall High School year 11 pupils helped the pensioner on Gerard Street, in Ashton, on Tuesday and made sure she was okay.

Their act of kindness was highlighted by Coun Danny Fletcher in a post in a community Facebook group.

He said: “Amazing. The police contacted me this afternoon, who told me about an incident around 4pm today where an elderly lady fell on Gerard Street. Four students from Byrchall High School stepped up, got help and made sure she was okay.

“With all the negative attention some young people get…it’s only right we celebrate the good as well. Absolute credit to themselves, their families and Byrchall.

“If any of the lads or lasses involved see this, please can parents drop me a message. We can arrange a little reward for them.”

The post was met with a host of comments from people in Ashton celebrating the efforts of the boys.

It was followed by a Facebook post from Byrchall High, which said: “We are so proud of our compassionate students who showed real care for a member of our Ashton community today. We will be looking out for them tomorrow to celebrate their fantastic attitude and highlight their thoughtful example!”

The incident has now come to the attention of Makerfield MP Andy Burnham, who recorded a video paying tribute to the boys and posted it on social media.

In the video, he said: “Someone mentioned to me when I got home this week about the four lads who helped an elderly lady who had fallen over on Gerard Street and I didn’t want to let the week go by without just saying a massive well done to Ben, Eban and everyone who was involved in helping her. You’re a real credit to the community, lads. Massive thanks.

“I think you have set a really brilliant example. I know young people get a bad reputation at times, often unfairly, and things like this just really show that we have got so many young people in our community to be proud of and I’m glad you have been getting the praise that you deserve on social media and I’m sure the school’s proud of you as well. I wanted you to hear it from me as well.

“Well done, a brilliant example, we appreciate it and we appreciate you and all of the young people in our community.”

In a social media post, he added: “Too often people are doing our town down. Young people, especially young lads in Wigan, are being given a really hard time at the moment. This story reminds us who we are, what we stand for and our values.

“Hearing this has made me proud, so I know your parents, teachers and friends will be too.

“Thank you, lads, for reminding us all of the best of ourselves and how easy it can be to do the right thing.

“It’s on all of us to take this forward for our communities.”