Both sets of parents said they were proud of their sons’ bravery and quick-thinking, with Harley’s dad, Dale Hollingworth, stating: “He’s just a typical grumpy teenager but clearly you can see he has a heart of gold… I’m still overwhelmed to be honest.”

However, some members of their families were not best pleased, as Freddie revealed: “My grandma said later: ‘You stupid idiot, you could have got squashed’.

“But my parents are proud. I hope he [the man] gets some help now.”
Gary Robinson, who works for Network Rail, re-iterated that the boys saved the man’s life, paying tribute to the pair on social media.

“Called out tonight to a male with intent to self-harm on the railway… these two lads were his angels,” he began.

“Dragged him off the railway… sat with him talking till I got there and make no mistakes… saved his life!

“Kids get a bad press but with humanity like those lads [have] shown tonight we are in safe hands!

“These two lads are a credit to their parents and I can’t speak highly enough about them. If you see them buy them a J20 (not old enough for pints yet).”

He concluded by reminding people of the Samaritans helpline: “Anyone feeling like things are getting too much please call 116 123 where someone will listen without judgement. Small Talk saves lives.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.