City honours hero who died rescuing child

Leigh Pitt, 30, died two years ago after rescuing Harley Bagnall-Taylor who fell into the water while playing outside his home.

After hearing the child's screams Mr Pitt, a printworker, ran from his flat overlooking the canal in Thamesmead, and dived in. He held the boy above water while other residents dragged him out with a hose.

But Mr Pitt disappeared underwater. The walls of the Broadwater Dock canal are 15ft high, which left him no way of getting out.

Now, two years on, he is to be honoured for his bravery with a ceremony and plaque at Postman's Park, a memorial garden in the City which celebrates the heroism of everyday people.

Mr Pitt's plaque is the first to be laid since 1917. Created by painter George Frederick Watts in 1887, the 50ft-long wall of 53 tributes is on the site of the former churchyard of St Botolph, Aldersgate.

His fiancée, Hema Shah, 38, an analyst for an asset management company, said: "I could not be more proud of Leigh for what he did.

"It was just amazing to give up your life for someone else. He was that sort of person - I don't think he could have lived with himself if he had not helped.

"He was my soulmate and I loved him so much but he is up there on a pedestal in my eyes. I miss him but this is a wonderful way to honour him."

Harley's father, Darren Taylor, paid tribute to Mr Pitt after the tragedy.

He said: "What that man did was unbelievable - he saved my son's life. We are so grateful."

It will be the second honour bestowed on Mr Pitt after Ms Shah collected a citation last December from the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust.

Jane Michell, who worked with Mr Pitt at Williams Lea - an investment company sub-contracted by Merrill Lynch - has been leading the two-year campaign to get him a plaque.

She said: "I thought it would be fantastic to put his name up on the wall."

A service for family and friends will take place today at the park's church, St Botolph's without Aldersgate.