Jean thanks shy 'heroes'

GRATEFUL: Ms Jean James, resting at her Masterton home after breaking her ankle on a walk at Mikimiki. She was rescued by three men, including one volunteer fireman, who carried her out of the bush.

The good Samaritans who rescued a 78-year-old woman after she was injured in a tramping accident north of Masterton have been found.

The three men, all from Wairarapa, are Eric Barber of Wainuioru and Laurence Kent and Gavin Graham, both of Masterton.

They are reluctant to be described as heroes.

Mr Barber, a member of the Wainuioru rural fire force said "I'm not so much a hero, just someone who cares. We were only doing what anyone else would have done".

Mr Kent agrees.

"At the end of the day, it's just something anyone would do. I hope her leg gets better soon, " he said.

Mr Barber described how he and the other two rescued Jean James, who had broken her ankle by falling on the track.

"It was fortunate for Jean that we came along," he said.

The trio was training for a race for the Wairarapa Multisports Club, when they came across Ms James and her companion Doug Jones trying to get down the hill.

"We took one look at her ankle, strapped her up and carried her out," said Mr Barber.

"It was pretty hard work. It was quite a distance," he said.

Luckily for Ms James, the men were prepared.

"We always carry a first aid kit. There's always the chance that something might happen when you're out there." said Mr Barber.

Ms James was very happy to be able to thank the men.

"A heartfelt thank-you for the first aid and for the carry out. It would have been much more complicated if they hadn't come along," she said.

The two trampers had not been carrying any first aid equipment.

Ms James came into the Wairarapa Times-Age office on Monday morning because she wanted to thank the three men who carried her out of the bush at Mikimiki on New Year's Day.

She was not sure who her rescuers were, but thought they were volunteer firemen.

After an article about the incident was published, a person came forward with information that helped identify the three men.