By Isle of Wight Observer
A Newport firefighter who helped save a lucky seagull, on Friday, has had the bird named after him!
The seagull was caught in barbed wire, and was dangling from the roof of a shop in the town, but was spotted by family members of Vicky, a Friends of the Animals volunteer.
A Friends spokeswoman explained: “It was a terrible scene. The poor gull was still alive but dangling from the roof. After we were contacted, we went into the shop, who employees were unaware of the situation, but were very accommodating and took us up to the roof. There we saw, close at hand, the poor gull struggling to get free.
“While one of us held the bird to prevent any more damage, and just in case the gull did get free and fall, Vicky was trying to cut the wire. But her cutters were not strong enough and neither were the ones from the shop, so we called the fire service in the hope they could assist.
“Two officers came onto the roof with the appropriate cutters and, very quickly, the gull was finally free. They were truly amazing and so kind.
“One of the fire fighters was called Anthony, so that’s what we have called the gull. Who knows how long the poor thing had been dangling there.
“We took Anthony, the gull, to the Wight Vets, who were outstanding, seeing the bird immediately and giving it pain relief. An X-ray showed this very lucky gull had a broken toe and wire had also gone through the wing but, incredibly, there were no breaks.
“Anthony has now gone into the care of the Skippers’ Sanctuary, for rehabilitation, with a bag of antibiotics and pain relief. Huge thanks to the fire service and the family who helped save Anthony’s life.
“Anybody who would like to donate to Anthony’s care can do so via iw.observer/fota. Every day we make good things happen – but we can only do it with your help.”