By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
AN injured back and a hernia hanging out of his stomach didn’t stop a WorkCover pensioner from twice saving a young man’s life in a dramatic rescue in Dandenong last Tuesday.
Garry Noy, a former tow-truck driver unable to work because of his chronic injuries, twice dragged the youth off railway tracks from in front of oncoming trains – one in each direction.
Mr Noy, 53, resisted talk of being nominated for a bravery award. “I just did what anyone would naturally do,” he said.
About 12.50pm, Mr Noy was near Bryants Road Motors when he noticed the youth standing on railway tracks with his hands in the air. A city-bound V-Line train, with horn blaring, was bearing down on the young man.
Mr Noy held the youth as hard as he could as he wrestled him off the tracks. The struggle seemed to go for a few minutes, he said, and he wasn’t sure how close the train got to them.
After the first rescue, the distressed youth ran in front of a train from the opposite direction. Again, Mr Noy heaved the young man to safety.
He said he tried to comfort the young man, who was apparently upset over a break-up with a girlfriend.
“I’m glad to know I’ve stopped a young, good-looking boy from devastating his family and friends. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would have been dead.
“Love’s a funny thing. He was upset and crying – he didn’t feel loved. He seems a nice boy. I hope he’ll be OK.”
Mr Noy is on WorkCover payments for his injuries, including collapsed and broken discs in his back. In one sense, he’ll pay a painful price for his brave actions.
“In a way, I shouldn’t have done it because I’ve got major dramas in my back and a hernia hanging out of my stomach. I didn’t worry about the consequences or how I’ll suffer for it.”
Rail services were briefly disrupted as police escorted a man in his early 20s to Dandenong Hospital.
If you or a loved one need support or information, call Lifeline on 131 114, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
