Elim Christian College teacher labelled a ‘hero’ for trying to save boy with cerebral palsy
I’m sure you’re all well aware of the tragic events which unfolded last week on the banks of a Turangi river, but what you might not have caught was that one of the students who died was Special Olympian Tom Hsu, 16, who had cerebral palsy. From what the media have reported, it seems the students’ teacher Tony McClean tried to save Tom by tying himself to the student, in an attempt to pull them both to shore. However, people have said Tom would’ve been an “anchor” for McClean, and they both tragically died in the rapids.
This really is such a sad story, but it’s also heartwarming to know that the teacher put Tom’s life before his own, and tried his best to save the kid. I’m not sure how I feel about people describing Tom as an ‘anchor’, which seems to imply some sort of responsibility on the boy’s part, but at the end of the day we lost two courageous New Zealanders in a freak act of God, somewhat ironic given the people affected.
Thoughts on any of this?
Red basically an 'anchor' is meaning Tom would have been a dead weight and dragged the teacher under.
It's not ment to be offensive or anything
We can in hindsight make so many comments on what ,"should" or "shouldn't" have happened on that day.I am quite sure that the given "intention"of Tony McLean,was to try and save Hsu's life,knowing of his ( Hsu's) predicament.In the Outdoors you make the best decisions,based on what you" know"…now,and decisions may have to be made fast. Leave it as it is ,i am sure Tony McLean made his decision and his "intention" was to help / save Hsu.
For what it's worth, I never meant to imply that the term 'anchor' was used as an offensive term, nor do I wish to make light of what is an extremely tragic story. Mr McLean must've been a stirling individual. My apologies to anyone who misread anything I said
No sweat Red mate, how's everything?