Can't save audio file from within a text message

Hi all-

I am trying to save an audio file that was texted to me. After numbers of searches, all I have found are very old posts suggesting apps that stopped being supported years ago, and a relatively recent suggestion to open the text, edit it, and forward the file to an email address.

I have tried this last sugegstion, but after hours I always get an 'attempt failed' return text. I'm not sure if this means the audio file is too big, or perhaps my iPhone is too old, etc. (5.1.1).

If anyone knows another way to access this file I'd really appreciate it - apps, something that allows me to see and save files via seeing it as a data drive, etc.

With gratitude,

Matthew