Couple save three people in blaze

May 10 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

A DEATH defying husband and wife team who saved three neighbours and a pet dog from their burning homes are our latest Local Heroes.

Wally and Wendy Edwards wasted no time in coming to the aid of elderly neighbours who were trapped inside two houses in Ronald Grove, Castle Bromwich.

And while Wendy, aged 44, raised the alarm her husband Wally, aged 48, dashed inside the houses to pull everyone to safety.

Wally, a petrol tanker driver, said: "I had been out on my bike in the afternoon and when I went into the garden to put it away my wife shouted that there was a fire.

"I saw lots of smoke, ran over to the first house and one neighbour was so scared she was almost glued to an armchair.

"I lifted her into her wheelchair to get her out of the house and helped her daughter, but they she seemed more concerned about the dog.

"When I went to rescue it, it was so scared it ran upstairs but once I put a blanket over its eyes I was able to take it out of the house.

"I then heard the alarms going off in the other house and so rushed in there and rescued a man.

"It happened so fast it was unbelievable.

"I really did not have the time to think about what was I was doing. We always look after each other in the Grove and that's exactly what I did."

Wally rescued his 46-year-old neighbour, Belinda Edwards, who is no relation, her wheelchair-bound mum, 89-year-old Minnie and their golden retriever dog Bluey.

He then rushed to the aid of panic stricken pensioner Louis Pricecorr, aged 80, and rescued him from his house. The fire had been started in a passageway between the two properties.

The Birmingham Mail Local Hero Awards are supported by The Pallasades shopping complex in the city centre.

General manager Jonathan Cheetham said: "Every month, exceptional people have been revealed and it has been my privilege to meet each one of these outstanding individuals.

"This month, this extraordinary standard of heroes has certainly been maintained. Risking their own lives, Wendy and Wally Edwards literally saved their neighbours' lives.

"Not only were their actions completely selfless, but also courageous and incredibly brave.

"They are a couple who have definitely made a difference to our community."