A GROUP of teenage boys from Newton-le-Willows have received awards from North West Ambulance Service and St Helens Council after heroically saving the life of a friend.

Back in April, Connor McManus, 14, Harley Molyneux, 13, Bradley Poyser, 12 and Cori-Lee McCarthy, 13, were riding their BMXs over a local landmark known as the Mucky Mountains when Cori-Lee came off his bike, suffering a serious injury.

Initially laughing the injury off, Cori-Lee soon realised he was bleeding heavily, resulting in his friends quickly calling 999.

Keeping the boys calm, the call handler advised the group to download the What3Words app to get a precise location of the emergency.

Once police were able to locate them, Cori-Lee was immediately airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – highlighting the seriousness of the injury.

Cori-Lee spent three days recovering at Alder Hey and was told he would have faced life-threatening injuries if it hadn’t had been for his friends’ quick-thinking.

After hearing about the boys' heroic efforts, St Helens Borough Council deputy leader and Newton ward councillor, Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, nominated the group for a North West Ambulance Service ‘Life Saver’ and Mayor of St Helens Borough ‘Good Citizen’ award.

Learning of Cori-Lee’s story and how the quick-thinking of his friends and emergency services saved his life, people across St Helens offered their congratulations online – thankful that the injury didn’t result in a worse outcome.

Gathering support around a local crowdfunding appeal, a cheque for £200 is now going to the North West Air Ambulance charity after their courageous and swift response.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony in St Helens Town Hall on Friday, July 30 - fittingly on Friendship Day - Councillor Gomez-Aspron MBE, said:

“After hearing about what happened, I wanted to ensure the boys were recognised for their outstanding clear mindedness and quick thinking. The response from the public to congratulate them was huge, and to be able to present £200 back to the air ambulance charity was fantastic.

“Having grown up in Newton-le-Willows and played in the same place as the accident happened when we were kids, I can’t imagine how daunting the situation was.

“I hope the rest of the school holidays for the lads is a little bit quieter.”

After presenting the group with their Good Citizen certificate, Cllr Sue Murphy, mayor of St Helens, said: “When I was told what happened, I thought we had to do something, so it was an honour to present these awards to a group of young men who have done an absolutely outstanding job in helping to save their friend’s life. Their families must be so proud.”

Robert Hussey, community resuscitation manager, presented the certificates on behalf of North West Ambulance Service.

He added: “It’s great to hear a story like this, and only right that we commend their actions. Bradley, Harley and Conner were incredibly brave and acted with calmness and maturity. It would have been easy for them to panic with the accident happening so far from help.

“Not only were they able to call for assistance, but they help stem the bleeding on Cori-Lee’s injury, and then went to meet ambulance crews and aided them in bring medical equipment to their friend.

“I know their families are incredibly proud, and I’m sure the wider community will be too.

“Well done.”