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LEIGH PITT - JUNE 7TH 2007

SAVED A BOY FROM THE CANAL BUT WAS UNABLE TO SAVE HIMSELF

The memorial plaque to Leigh Pitt.

THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO LEIGH PITT

In many ways the memorial to Leigh Pitt is, perhaps, the most poignant to read, since it is the most recent addition to the Postman's Park memorials and the tragedy only happened in 2007.

In other ways, it is an inspiring memorial because it demonstrates that, despite the constant reminders that we now live in a "me first" age, there are still those who will rise to the challenge and who will risk all to go, selflessly, to the aid of others when they are in peril.

Leigh Pitt was just such a hero, and he richly deserved to be remembered here amongst the everyday, humble heroes of yesteryear.

The memorial plaque reads, "Leigh Pitt, Reprographic Operator, Aged 30, Saved A Boy From The Canal At Thamesmead, But Sadly Was Unable To Save Himself. June 7 2007.

At a little after 5pm, On June 7th 2007, a nine year old boy fell into the Thamesmead canal, in South-East London, whilst out playing close to his home.

AN HEROIC ACT OF SELF SACRIFICE

Leigh Pitt was in his flat close by when he heard the boy screaming for help and raced to see what he could do.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mr. Pitt dived into the canal, and kept him above water while other residents lowered a hosepipe down, with which they were able to pull the boy to safety.

However, when they tried to rescue Leigh Pitt, he had disappeared beneath the water.

Police Constable Ken Chow, was the first officer on the scene and, on hearing that there was a man still in the canal, he jumped in and could just make out the top of the man's head beneath the water.

He managed to pull him to the surface, but, since there was nothing to get hold of, he was unable to tread water with him, and had no choice but to let him go, watching helplessly as he floated away.

A MEMORIAL IN POSTMAN'S PARK

Leigh Pitt had worked for Williams Lea - an investment company sub-contracted by Merrill Lynch - whose offices (now Bank of America Merrill Lynch) overlook the west gate of Postman's park and, following his tragic death, his co-worker, Jane Michell, spearheaded a two-year campaign to have his act remember with a plaque on the Memorial To Heroic Self Sacrifice.

Her determination paid off and, on Thursday June 11th 2009, following a service in St Botolph's church, Leigh Pitt's plaque was unveiled and he took his deserved place amongst the heroes of Postman's Park.

FURTHER READING

Several newspapers covered the story of the tragedy in the days following it.

Here is a selection.

Daily Mail, 15th June 2007

East London and West Essex Guardian, 1th June 2007

The unveiling of his plaque was also covered by several newspapers.

This is Local London, 12h June 2009