Life-saving heroes honoured in Norway

Lorraine Srensen and her Norwegian husband Kjetil (pictured) were honoured at a special ceremony last week after saving a 22-year-old woman from drowning in a freak accident in December 2009.

Lorraine, a former hairdresser in the town’s Linenhall Street, has lived in Sortland in her adopted home of Norway for the past three years, and was on holiday in the nearby city of Tromso with Kjetil when they came across the woman falling off a pier.

Without a second thought Kjetil bravely jumped into the sub-zero water and dragged the woman to safety, helped by Lorraine who first spotted the lady in trouble.

Earlier this month the couple were presented with the Carnegies Medal - in recognition of the heroic act that undoubtedly saved a young woman’s life.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kjetil said, “It was my wife Lorraine who saw what happened. Without thinking I tore off my jacket and plunged into the water.

“I do not know if I have any special properties compared to those who did not jump, but thankfully I used my initiative.”

Lorraine’s mother Mary Avery, who lives with her husband Jackie in their Reilly Park, attended the ceremony and said she beamed with pride at her daughter and son-in-law’s achievement.

“The ceremony was just lovely,” Mrs Avery told the Leader. “The people over in Norway couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. When the ceremony was taking place the Mayor came over and sat beside me and told me he’d translate everything for me.”

Mrs Avery, who happened to be visiting with her two grandsons at the time, said she was delighted to be there to see the presentation - which was covered with great interest by the area’s press.

“Although Kjetil (known as Jay) was presented with the medal, he and Lorraine both shared it,” she said. “It was a team effort and they’re just so glad they were there and able to help at the right time.” The 22-year-old woman, who is fully recovered from her ordeal, has since sent flowers and thank-you cards to Lorraine and her husband.