A teenager from Lytham St Annes who risked her own life trying to save a drowning boy has been honoured with one of the UK's highest bravery awards.
Shelby Quigley, 14, has been awarded a Royal Humane Society silver medal after diving into the River Wyre in an attempt to rescue a 15-year-old boy who had got into difficulty.
The incident happened on May 15, 2025, while Shelby was taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
According to the Royal Humane Society, Shelby spotted the teenager struggling in the fast-flowing river and immediately rushed to help.
After throwing off her heavy clothing and walking boots, she ran to the riverbank.
When she could no longer see the boy on the surface, she dived into the water to search for him.
Shelby found the teenager near the bottom of the river and managed to lift him above her head despite the water being too deep for her to stand.
The Royal Humane Society said Shelby stood on a rock on the riverbed while carrying the boy above the water, although she was submerged herself for much of the ordeal.
A member of the public later entered the river and helped drag the teenager to the bank.
The boy was airlifted to hospital, but sadly died the following day.
The Royal Humane Society has praised Shelby's actions, describing the Lancashire teenager as a "true heroine."
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Andrew Chapman, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: "What she did was truly incredible for one so young.
"Sadly, the boy died in hospital later, but without doubt, Shelby gave him the best possible chance of survival.
"Few people would have persisted in the way she did when they were so close to drowning themselves.
"Somehow, though, she stayed calm and showed incredible bravery.
"Very few people are awarded our silver medals, but she richly deserves it.
"She was a true heroine."
The Royal Humane Society silver medal is one of the charity's highest honours and is awarded to people who put their own lives at risk in an attempt to save others.
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