Woman reunited with river rescuer after 20 years

A woman has spoken of her gratitude after meeting the man who saved her life as a toddler.

Lorraine Tumalan-Schumann was two years old when she fell with her mother from the Humber Bridge in 2005.

At a gala in Hull on Saturday she came face-to-face with Humber Rescue volunteer Ian Bennett, who pulled her from the water.

Lorraine told the audience: "I'm so grateful to Ian and everyone who gave me the chance to stand here today."

She added: "I had no idea the people who saved me were volunteers. Lives like mine wouldn't have been saved if it wasn't for that.

"I feel like I have such a life ahead. I'm figuring out what I want to do, seeing the places I want to see, and being with the people I love – and it's because of this, I get that opportunity."

Her father, Julio Tumalan, told guests: "You gave Lorraine a future. I'm so grateful."

He added: "Today is about celebrating life and giving it a second chance. I want to thank the people and the person responsible for rescuing my daughter."

The reunion came after a video of the dramatic rescue was played at the Humber Rescue Gala, held to raise money for the charity.

In the film, Mr Bennett reflected: "If I could see that person now, I would just like to know they've had a good life."

When invited on stage, he admitted: "It was a very emotional job. I will never forget it."

Mr Bennett explained he often wondered what had happened to the toddler: "I've watched my daughter grow up. I always wonder what happened to that person. Hopefully our intervention made sure she's had a good life."

The surprise moment came when the host asked: "Do you want to meet her?" Ms Tumalan-Schumann then walked out to meet Mr Bennett for the first time since she and her mother survived falling from the bridge.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Bennett said: "It's very emotional – something I never thought I'd see. I now have some closure as to what happened from that day, whereas normally I wouldn't ever find anything out."

He explained surviving a fall from the Humber Bridge was unusual: "It's not often outcomes are good. What helped was that she was limp – no tension in the muscles – so injuries were less severe."

Although the event was primarily to raise funds for Humber Rescue, for Ms Tumalan-Schumann it was a chance to thank those who gave her a second chance at life.

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