A Hillsborough survivor has finally met the man who saved his life during the disaster.
Joe Smith was just 8 years old when he was caught up events at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield on April 15, 1989, in which 96 people died in a massive crush.
Footage in a recent BBC documentary emerged of a man carrying Smith on his shoulders to safety, triggering memories that led him to seek out his saviour.
After appearing on Good Morning Britain last week in a campaign to find the man, Smith, has now finally been reunited with John McMahon, who he said he "owed a great deal" to.
Appearing on the show again, this time after meeting McMahon, who was 16 at the time, the two described the day in 1989, and praised the fans that helped out during the disaster.
"There were thousands of Liverpool supporters helping out that day," McMahon, now aged 43, said. "Ever since, the survivors have been heroes.
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"They've given evidence which has helped the families to get the inquest and the decision we were after."
Recalling viewing the documentary footage recently, he continued: "It was one of my friends on a Sunday, he sent a text saying 'has this boy ever tried to get in touch with you?'
"And I said 'no'. He said: 'don't you think that's a bit strange?' And I said: 'not really because it was just one of those things that happened.'"
McMahon revealed he was on holiday when he found out about Smith, later being reunited with him.
However, when asked whether he had tried to seek Smith out over the years, he revealed: "I'll be honest, in some ways not really, because I knew Joe was ok. I handed him to the family members he was with."
Smith also revealed that they came close to meeting a few times, at one point working in the same building completely unaware of the connection.
Describing the meeting, Smith, now aged 35, continued: "I was emotional. It was really great to see him, give him a hug, and thank him really for saving my life.
"He's really humble, John. People describe him as a hero, and that's the way I see him at the end of the day."
The Hillsborough inquest recently reached its verdict, ruling that the 96 people who died during the disaster were unlawfully killed.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
