Joy Edwards hugs former Berwick Shire mayor John Byron, who gallantly dashed to her aid when he saw her choking over lunch.By Paul Dunlop
JOY Edwards has found the mystery man who saved her from choking on her lunch — and has shouted him dinner.
The Pakenham grandmother’s search ended successfully last week when she was reunited with John Byron.
Mr Byron gallantly come to Mrs Edwards’ aid when a piece of chicken became stuck in her throat, while she was recently eating lunch in a shopping centre.
Mrs Edwards said she never got to properly thank the man she said saved her life
Mr Byron, a former Berwick Shire mayor, came forward after reading in the Gazette that Mrs Edwards hoped to find her rescuer and thank him.
The two met last Wednesday and a grateful Mrs Edwards gave Mr Byron a big hug, before insisting he accept a gift voucher for him and his wife to dine at Berwick’s Clover Cottage.
“He saved my life, I have no doubt about that,” Mrs Edwards said.
“I was sitting there, starting to panic because I couldn’t breathe, and he came and saved me.”
Mr Byron said he saw Mrs Edwards was in trouble and acted “on the spur of the moment”.
“I didn’t really think about it. I asked her if she could breathe and pushed up on her back, and the bit of food that had got stuck popped out.”
A modest Mr Byron said he didn’t consider himself a hero, but Mrs Edwards is in no doubt.
“I still have shivers when I think about what could have happened,” she said.
“I am so glad I am still here today to say thanks for what he did.”
