Miss-Delectable
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http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=1643648
A DEAF teenager who heroically risked his own life to save a young boy drowning in a flooded quarry could be put forward for a bravery award.
Michael Morton plunged into the dangerous depth of the quarry between Knottingley and Darrington earlier this month after he spotted nine-year-old Bradley Richardson – a friend of his younger brother – struggling in the water.
Now his school is looking for a chance to nominate him for an award to recognise his courage.
Michael, 14, who was born deaf and wears hearing aids in both ears, was out walking his dog Benji when he saw Bradley waving and shouting for help while his group of friends looked on, horrified.
Michael, a pupil at the deaf and hearing impaired unit at Castleford High School, said: "I saw Bradley in the water splashing around and noticed his face change and look worried.
"I ran as fast as I could to help him and by the time I had got there he was at the bottom of the quarry. I didn't really think about what I was doing, I was just frightened he was going to die."
Michael, a strong swimmer, leapt from the quarry edge into the water and pulled Bradley out by his hair before dragging him on to dry land.
Michael, who lives with his mum on Throstle Row, Knottingley, said: "After I pulled him out he was choking so I hit him on the back a few times and he started breathing again."
The quick-thinking teenager then ran to Bradley's home nearby and told his father what had happened.
Dad Stephen Richardson said: "When Michael told me I was completely shocked to think Bradley could have died. It was so lucky Michael was there. It's horrible to think how close I came to losing my son."
Roy Vaughan, headteacher at Castleford High, said: "It's fabulous what Michael has done. To just dive in and do something like that is tremendous. Children with disabilities can be stigmatised and to achieve something like this will be a massive boost for Michael's confidence and self-esteem.
"We're aware that there's numerous local bravery awards and if there's a chance to nominate Michael for one of them we will certainly take it up."
Michael's proud mum Maria Noble, 41, said: "When Michael got home, he didn't even tell me what had happened. But his younger brother Daniel said 'Michael has just saved a boy's life' and then he told me what he'd done.
"At first I had mixed feelings because I was thinking that I could have lost my own son but now it's sunk in I'm just so proud of him."
"He told me he was scared himself at the time, even though he's a good swimmer and I think he's a real hero for what he's done."
A DEAF teenager who heroically risked his own life to save a young boy drowning in a flooded quarry could be put forward for a bravery award.
Michael Morton plunged into the dangerous depth of the quarry between Knottingley and Darrington earlier this month after he spotted nine-year-old Bradley Richardson – a friend of his younger brother – struggling in the water.
Now his school is looking for a chance to nominate him for an award to recognise his courage.
Michael, 14, who was born deaf and wears hearing aids in both ears, was out walking his dog Benji when he saw Bradley waving and shouting for help while his group of friends looked on, horrified.
Michael, a pupil at the deaf and hearing impaired unit at Castleford High School, said: "I saw Bradley in the water splashing around and noticed his face change and look worried.
"I ran as fast as I could to help him and by the time I had got there he was at the bottom of the quarry. I didn't really think about what I was doing, I was just frightened he was going to die."
Michael, a strong swimmer, leapt from the quarry edge into the water and pulled Bradley out by his hair before dragging him on to dry land.
Michael, who lives with his mum on Throstle Row, Knottingley, said: "After I pulled him out he was choking so I hit him on the back a few times and he started breathing again."
The quick-thinking teenager then ran to Bradley's home nearby and told his father what had happened.
Dad Stephen Richardson said: "When Michael told me I was completely shocked to think Bradley could have died. It was so lucky Michael was there. It's horrible to think how close I came to losing my son."
Roy Vaughan, headteacher at Castleford High, said: "It's fabulous what Michael has done. To just dive in and do something like that is tremendous. Children with disabilities can be stigmatised and to achieve something like this will be a massive boost for Michael's confidence and self-esteem.
"We're aware that there's numerous local bravery awards and if there's a chance to nominate Michael for one of them we will certainly take it up."
Michael's proud mum Maria Noble, 41, said: "When Michael got home, he didn't even tell me what had happened. But his younger brother Daniel said 'Michael has just saved a boy's life' and then he told me what he'd done.
"At first I had mixed feelings because I was thinking that I could have lost my own son but now it's sunk in I'm just so proud of him."
"He told me he was scared himself at the time, even though he's a good swimmer and I think he's a real hero for what he's done."

bravo.. HERO!!! 
