A PRINT worker who died trying to save a boy from drowning has joined a list of other heroes at a park memorial.

Leigh Pitt, 30, drowned on June 7, 2007, after jumping into a canal at Broadwater Lock near Whinchat Road, Thamesmead, to save nine-year-old Harley Bagnall-Taylor.

A memorial service attended by friends and family was held at St Botolphs Church, in the City of London, and a plaque in his memory was unveiled in neighbouring Postman’s Park yesterday (June 11).

Mr Pitt’s name will join more than 50 others at the century-old Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, commemorating everyday heroes.

The print worker’s fiancee, Hema Shah, says the last two years have been very hard for her.

Speaking after the plaque was unveiled the tearful 38-year-old said: “I miss Leigh so much and can’t live without him.

“I’m just glad he’s being honoured in such a wonderful way. I’m just over the moon for that.

“I want the whole world to know how amazing he is and what a hero he is.

“I feel as if half of me died with him when he went. He was my soulmate. He was everything and more to me.”

Following pressure from Ms Shah, the Creekside Forum, MP for Erith and Thamesmead John Austin, and News Shopper’s own Lifeline campaign, site owners Tilfen Land spent £5,000 on grab chains connected to the side of the canal.

They also provided new signage and new life rings in the hallways of neighbouring flats.

But Ms Shah says more work needs to be done.

“I want Tilfen Land to make it a bit more safer than it is by maybe having a lower amount of water, but they still haven’t done that yet.

“I just want it safer. I called the police six times since Leigh died because of kids playing on the wrong side of the lock.

“They say they’ve done things better, but I don’t think they’ve done enough.”

News Shopper has approached Tilfen Land for a comment.