Clyde News reunites Glasgow man with lifesaver after choking on Ikea hot dog

Clyde News has reunited a Glasgow man with the person who saved his life, after he choked on food at Ikea.

Josh McKenzie, 22, from Riddrie in Glasgow, and his mum were about to leave the store in Glasgow on Wednesday 15th January, when he decided to purchase two hot dogs after they paid for their items.

He said: "I started eating them on the way out, just as we passed the doors, and realised that this isn't going down.

"My mum was banging on my back trying to get it up, I was sticking my fingers down my throat trying to pull it up - we just couldn't.

"Then Stephen ran over and got it up."

Steven Whitelaw, 27, from Gorgie in Edinburgh, was also outside the store when it happened and went over to see what had happened.

Steven said: "I didn't realise he was choking on food - I thought he had just fallen over or something or he was trying to tie his shoe lace.

"I just picked him up off the ground and managed to help him bring it up."

Steven used the Heimlich manoeuver on Josh in order to bring the food up.

Steven said: "I'm happy I was able to help somebody with such a serious matter but it hadn't really set in until I'd been shown the Facebook post and I think that's when things started to hit me that I'd actually helped to save a boy's life."

After the incident, Josh and his family forgot to take Steven's details so put a post on Facebook in a search for him.

Steven's mum came across the post and showed it to him and he got in touch with the family.

Clyde News then brought the pair together for the first time since the incident to give Josh a chance to thank Steven in person.

Josh said: "Honestly from the bottom of my part, from my whole entire family - thanks so much."

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