Stanley's hailed a hero for help with rescue

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A man who rushed to the rescue of a schoolgirl trapped under a van has been hailed a hero by firefighters.
Stanley Fletcher, of Joannah Street, Monkwearmouth, ran out of his house after hearing the screams of a little girl.

When he got outside he saw a girl had become trapped under the front wheel of a Royal Mail van as she was riding her bike.

Without thinking, Mr Fletcher, 45, rushed to the 11-year-old's side to help her until emergency services arrived last Thursday evening.

This is not the first time Mr Fletcher has come to the rescue. He has also dragged a drowning man out of the sea after he saw his boat capsize, and he helped save a woman who fell from Roker Pier.

He said: "When I saw her screaming, instinct just took over. I saw her there and just wanted to get on the floor and see if I could help and keep her calm.

"I wanted to make it more comfortable for her, so I sat with her and supported her neck and back by resting her on my knees because she was stuck under the van.

"I just kept talking to her and making sure she was okay."

Firefighters arrived had to jack up the vehicle to release the girl.

She was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where she was treated for lower body injuries, which are not life-threatening.

Alan Gash, watch manager at Fulwell fire station, headed the fire crew's rescue. He said: "I want to thank Stanley Fletcher who came to her aid before us and the paramedics got there.

"This man came out when he heard the accident and went over and helped the girl. He held her hand and supported her, so we are very grateful.

"He provided her great comfort and kept her calm throughout the incident.

"This man made the incident a lot easier for ourselves to deal with."
But modest Mr Fletcher, who is unemployed, refuses to acknowledge his actions as heroic.

"I would help anybody because that's the type of person I am," he said.

"I don't see myself as a hero – the rescue services that were there are that."

About two years ago Mr Fletcher saw a boat capsize of Roker and raced into the sea to help the man who fell into the water.

"I didn't think twice," he said. "I dragged him on to the shore but he ended up having a heart attack and, unfortunately, died."

About a year ago, he was fishing on Roker Pier when a woman plunged into the water. Again, he dived into the water to help her.

"I just always seem to be in the right place at the right time," he said. "I just really hope this little girl is okay."

The Echo would like to speak to the family of the girl involved in the accident. Contact the Newsdesk on 501 7208.