Hero barrister leaps into canal to save child's teddy

Steven Molloy (pictured), of Charles Hoile Solicitors, jumped into the canal after hearing from a colleague that a child’s teddy had been dropped into the canal.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News after the event, he said: “I had not long come back from court and was standing in our offices which overlook the canal.
“I immediately grabbed an umbrella, dashed out of the office and ran down to the Wharf.
“I thought that losing a favourite teddy at that age and in that way could be quite traumatic for a child. I knew I could save it if I was quick.”
Passer-by Fiona Skelton, aged 30, described how Mr Molloy first attempted to fish the toy from the water using his umbrella, but eventually gave up and lept into the water.
“I thought it was the lovelist thing to do,” she said. “It was so heroic. He got a big round of applause.”
Mr Molloy, who is due to become a father himself for the first time in a few weeks, said that this was part of his motivation.
“The girl’s face just lit up, she was so happy,” he said. “Her Mum thanked me over and over again. The girl was all smiles.
“I had hoped to be able to fish it out of the water with the end of the umbrella, but it was too far away and was being carried off by the current, so I just thought “it’s now or never” and jumped in.”
The Newbury Weekly News would love to speak to the family who was involved.
Was it your child who dropped the teddy?
Let reporter Ellis Barker know by calling (01635) 886639 or emailing ellis.barker@newburynews.co.uk