THE amazing disabled youth, who used to dive into the old lake-like Flashes like a champion and swim like a fish, is remembered by Brian Cook, former publican and St Helens town councillor.
The teenager had only one arm and one leg. But, like the gold-winning Paralympians of today, he was a legendary hero. He used to, says Brian (formerly of Parr) plunge skilfully into the murky Flashes, near the Parr-Haydock boundary, along with all the other ‘skinny dippers’ of the time. It was between 1947 and 1950.
“As a youngster I spent many happy days there”, says Brian, who has vivid memories of that fearless handicapped teenager, who, if still alive, would now be around his early seventies. “He was truly amazing!”
Adds Brian: “I am sure one or two of your readers will remember him. It would be great if his courage and abilities could be recognised, even though so many years have since passed by.”
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