Woman reunited with rescue hero
Published: June 2, 2006
A Londonderry woman today spoke of her emotions as she prepares to be reunited with the man who saved her from the River Foyle as her sister drowned more than 30 years ago.
Brave Englishman Robert Martin leapt into the river after sisters Marina and Margaret Smith, aged eight and nine respectively, fell into the water on September 14, 1970.
Margaret died, but Robert pulled Marina to safety by her hair. He received a Humane Society for Bravery Award in 1971.
Robert’s family and friends were keen to see them meet up in time for his 60th birthday in August for a surprise reunion, and now, thanks to an appeal in the Belfast Telegraph, Marina hopes to link up with the man who saved her life.
The Derry woman, now a grandmother, lives in Creggan.
“My brother saw the article in the paper and then my sister rang me too, and I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“It was a real shock to hear that Robert’s family was looking for me. My mother and stepfather both passed away in recent years and I am a mother and grandmother so I have a lot to think about - I do have memories of that day but try not to dwell on it too much.
“I can remember waking up in bed and there were two men in the room with a doll. I don’t remember him pulling me out or being in the water. It will be good to see him again.”
She added: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet - I am going to meet the man who saved my life all those years ago.”
Robert spotted the sisters in the water while travelling into Derry on the train. He leapt from the carriage at Waterside station, ran down the embankment and plunged into the river.
The reunion is being organised by family friend, Susan Adams from Belfast, who met Bristol man Robert and his wife Sandra almost 30 years ago on holiday.
“We can’t wait to see Bob’s face when he sees her again,” she said.
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