Calls for ALL open water areas in Greater Manchester to have throwlines

A mum who lost her teenage son after he drowned in a reservoir is calling for ALL bodies of open water in Greater Manchester to have throwline stations.

Mark Allen was just 18-years-old when he died after jumping into Debdale Reservoir in Gorton three years ago.

His mum Leeanne has now got over 50,000 signatures on her petition calling for the law change in his name.

Leanne said: "It's torn us apart, it's caused so much devastation. I've suffered with poor mental health myself since which I'm not ashamed to admit. I've since suffered with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD and for over 12 months I could barely eat a thing.

"It was two days after we lost Mark when we had to go identify his body. It was the longest walk down the darkest corridor I've ever done in my whole entire life.

"I basically, went over to him and whispered in his ear and I promised him that I would do all I could to make a difference.

"I think it was the difference between the outside temperature and the freezing cold water. It was that split second decision to jump in that stole Mark's life away from him, and away from us. It's just not worth it.

"I know that a few of Mark's friends tried to rescue him but they just couldn't. If the equipment was in place, he'd have had a greater chance of his friends being able to get him and of being rescued.

You can sign the petition here.