Rob is river hero

8:00am Thursday 7th August 2008

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A FORMER Marine from Bewdley who ignored his own safety to rescue a one-year-old girl from the River Severn will be out of pocket as a result of his actions.

Elaine Southern was feeding the ducks with daughter, Chloe, outside the Cock and Magpie pub in Severn Side North, Bewdley, last Friday afternoon, when the tot fell through a gap in the railings.

She was saved by 30-year-old Rob Rogers, now working as a close protection officer in Iraq, who broke his ankle during the rescue by landing on a rock.

Mr Rogers, of Cleobury Road, came out of hospital on Tuesday and his leg should be in plaster for the next six weeks. He will have to draw on his savings until he is able to return to work.

Speaking for the first time since the incident, he said: “I was sat down, having a quick drink with friends and suddenly people started screaming. Then I looked into the river and saw a little girl lying face down.

“She was hardly moving and the river was beginning to take her. I just knew I had to get her out or she would drown.”

He explained he lifted Chloe out of the water and gave her a squeeze until water was released from her mouth.

The former 40 and 45 Commando Royal Marine added: “I knew she was breathing then and that she would be fine.”

He explained: “Because of my injury I won’t be paid for a few months but you can’t put a price on a girl’s life.”

Mrs Southern, 29, of The Walshes, Stourport, said: “We can’t put into words our gratitude. He saved our little girl. We owe him everything. Rob just says he’s not a hero and did what needed to be done.”

She explained: “Chloe had dropped a bit of bread and bent over to pick it up. Just as she went, I grabbed her feet but her shoes came off. She had gone and I couldn’t reach her.

“I felt petrified. I couldn’t save her because I can’t swim. It seemed unreal. It was my worst nightmare come true. ”

Her husband, David, 34, returned to the scene moments after his daughter had fallen into the river. He said: “I panicked and just froze in shock. Lots of people were shouting at me but I just couldn’t do anything. By the time I got myself together Rob had jumped in.”

Mrs Southern said Chloe was screaming when she came out of the water but as soon as she had been “warmed up” in the ambulance she became calm and fell asleep.

Chloe was treated for minor grazes to her face and mild hypothermia but was otherwise unharmed. Her parents say they have both been spoiling her since her ordeal.

Mr Southern added: “She doesn’t want to be away from us now but she is still the same person. Her personality hasn’t changed.”

Mr Rogers was due to go on holiday to Spain with his girlfriend yesterday but the travel company heard of his bravery and agreed to postpone the trip.

The Southerns visited him at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and sent him several text messages expressing their thanks.

They are concerned that the incident could happen again if more protective railings are not put in place.

Mrs Southern said: “Every child likes to feed the ducks and it only takes a split second for one of them to fall through. This could happen to any child.”