Town fans help save legendary supporter's life
TWO Super Blues fans who came to the aid of a legendary 91-year-old WBA supporter after he suffered a heart attack at Portman Road are being urged to come forward.
Ken McErlain
TWO Super Blues fans who came to the aid of a legendary 91-year-old WBA supporter after he suffered a heart attack at Portman Road are being urged to come forward.
Vic Stirrup, who has barely missed an Albion game since the Second World War, collapsed outside the ground after watching his team draw 1-1 on January 26.
Three town fans quickly came to his aid, wrapping their coats round him and making him comfortable until paramedics arrived.
Mr Stirrup is now back at home in Smethwick in the Black Country having made a full recovery.
His son Andy, a 42-year-old lorry driver, has already made contact with one of the hero supporters following a radio appeal - but he now wants to find the other two.
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Andy said: “Obviously my family are extremely grateful to these three fans.
“I would love to be able to thank for them personally for their actions and quick-thinking, as would my dad.
“Many football fans get a bad press so it's nice to know there are decent supporters out there who look out for each other.
“I wasn't at the game, but I hear it was bitterly cold so for them to give up their coats to help my dad was a tremendous gesture.”
Mr Stirrup became ill as he returned to his coach with friend Les James, 82.
After being rushed to hospital he spent a week recovering and concerned Albion fans posted numerous messages of support on the internet.
Mr Stirrup, a retired newsagent, is now itching to return to watching the football.
Andy added: “He couldn't make last night's game - that was a step too soon for him. But he'll be back, you can't keep him away. Albion is his one and only passion.
“He doesn't drink or smoke and he's been watching them for 86 years.
“This has made him a bit of a legend among the Albion fans and he really appreciated the messages of support he got.”
- Are you one of the hero Super Blues supporters who came to Mr Stirrup's rescue?
Contact our newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk and we will pass your details on to Mr Stirrup.
