FOUR teenagers rushed to the aid of an elderly woman when she fell on concrete stairs landing on her face.

Anne Hannigan and husband James Hannigan, both 85, from Nightingale House, Romsey, had been walking up stairs outside Domino's in Romsey town centre on Monday October 11 at around 4pm before Anne fell on the top stair causing bleeding to the face and severe bruising.

Four pupils, Oliver Pike, 14, Bella Fordham, 15, of Romsey School, and Joshua Nash, 14, and Charlie Gillespie, 15, from Mountbatten School, had been waiting outside the restaurant to be picked up when they witnessed the fall.

They rushed to the aid of Anne and James where Oliver delivered basic first aid and held Anne whilst another pupil called for an ambulance. Bella then waited to signal the ambulance whilst Oliver continued help Anne.

A first responder arrived at the scene where the four supported the emergency worker by bringing blankets and other equipment from the car. They remained until the ambulance arrived.

Oliver said: “Me and my mates were waiting to get picked up outside Domino's, we saw she needed help. She fell off the top stair. She had blood on her mouth. We helped her up and I just acted like a back stool for her. It's nothing really, anyone would have done it.”

The four students didn’t realise at the time of the incident that Anne is diagnosed with late stage Alzheimers and James is partially blind having been diagnosed with Macular degeneration. According to Kim, Anne has no recollection of the incident and when she fell, neither her nor James had a phone on them to call for help.

Kim Hannigan, Annes daughter-in-law said: “There’s no doubt about it, it could have been a lot worse. She wouldn’t have known what to do without those guys.

“Anne has no idea what’s happened or why she’s in hospital. My father in-law (James) is blown away.

“He’s not one for giving money away but he’s donated £500 to the schools to show his appreciation and £50 to each of them. He is so grateful. He thought it was absolutely necessary, but the children expected nothing back at all.

“I would like to say, the one lad holding Anne, just knew how to talk to her. Apparently he was just chatting away to her. When James realised what had happened, he didn’t know what to do but they (students) just got on with it.”

Oliver’s mum Kate Pike said: “On Facebook someone said they witnessed Oliver basically cradling her, my heart was so emotional reading it.

“Oliver doesn’t think it’s a big deal. I think it’s brilliant. I am so proud of him.

Kate explained how she has worked for the NHS for 21 years and has been teaching Oliver basic first aid skills since he was 5 years old. She continued: “It’s hugely important that all children should know basic first aid. I think it should be mandatory in all schools.

Joshua's mum Carly said: “We are so proud of our son and his friends, although they don’t see what the big deal is and say anyone would have helped. I’ve tried explaining that unfortunately that’s not always the case these days."

Anne has been in hospital since the incident and is making a full recovery. Once a care package is established, she will be able to go home.