Aaron Beggs, a member of North Down Athletic Club in Northern Ireland, stopped during the Boston Marathon to assist fellow runner Ajay Haridasse. Beggs pulled Haridasse up from the ground about 200 metres from the finish line after Haridasse had fallen several times and could not stand alone.

Robson De Oliveira joined Beggs, and the two runners supported Haridasse across the finish line while others continued past. Video of the incident has gained millions of views worldwide.

Beggs, a 40-year-old facilities management worker from Co Down, completed his seventh marathon in 2:43:53. He had aimed for a personal best of around 2:41 or 2:42 but lost about a minute to the assistance.

Beggs described his action as an instinct in the important Boston race. He viewed the marathon as a shared journey where participants support each other to reach the finish.

Beggs arrived home in Northern Ireland yesterday and completed 20 interviews with news outlets from various countries.

SDLP's Cara Hunter praised Beggs for showing compassion and humility associated with people from Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson called it a story worth sharing and an example of character from Northern Ireland.