“These students saved my life... I am immensely grateful.”

Vish Vedage, 62, this week met the five boys who came to his rescue when he collapsed in the road.

After seeing the story in the Recorder last week, the retired lecturer, of Wyfields, Clayhall, contacted The Forest Academy, Harbourer Road, Hainault, to thank the pupils who rushed to help him when he was struggling to breathe due to fluid on his lungs.

Zubir Hussain, 16, Adam Malick and Dhillan Varsani, both 15, were on the 169 bus when they saw Mr Vedage fighting for breath, and they demanded the driver let them off so they could help him.

They, along with friends Joshua Opolot, and Kevin Suveidradasa, both 14, called an ambulance, collected medication from his house and helped the paramedics find the right road after they went the wrong way.

Mr Vedage, who was driving to the shops when the incident happened, said: “I began feeling really ill but had no idea why, so I decided to pull over and stop my car. After that I remember very little, but I know the boys moved me out of danger.

“The students not only called the ambulance, but they were persistent to ensure the ambulance did not miss me. They stayed with me and calmed me down until the ambulance crew took charge.

“The students have shown a great presence of mind and compassion.”

A resident who lived close by, but did not want to be named, also went out to help after she saw what was happening and helped the pupils collect medication from Mr Vedage’s house.

He added: “These students and the lady saved my life. They have shown exemplary conduct in helping a stranger in distress.

“I am lucky that Ilford has both young people and helpful citizens that we all could be proud of.”