Civilian Gallantry Awards 2013

What better way to start a new year than to remember those who demonstrated chivalry last year. The Queen graciously approved the following awards of The Queen’s Gallantry Medal, published in The London Gazette last month. Let us remember their bravery and allow these stories to restore our faith as we prepare for another year of challenges.

PC Claire Louise Murphy, Greater Manchester Police

Was awarded ‘The Queen’s Gallantry Medal’ for saving the life of a women who had fallen into a river in June last year. A mother and her two children were walking along the banks of the River Irwell in Salford, when one of her children threw their dog’s ball into the river. The dog jumped into the river to fetch the ball but was unable to escape due to high water levels from heavy rain fall and a 2.5 metre drop from the riverbank. The 56-year old woman attempted to save her dog, leaning over the river while holding onto a branch for safety. Unfortunately the branch broke and she fell in to the overflowing river. Due to the fast flow she too was unable to climb out and reach the safety of the riverbank. Luckily, she managed to grasp some weeds and hold her head above water, while the eldest child, aged 11, ran to get help.

When PC Murphy arrived at the scene the woman was losing her grasp and weakening. Although rescue services had been summoned, the woman’s head was now going under water several times and there was a risk of her being swept away. PC Murphy took the brave decision to jump into the river to save her, holding onto the woman using her right arm as she grasped onto a rock and managed to wedge her foot against something in the river.

The situation worsened when the women lost her footing, now with only the police officer holding onto her against the force of the river. PC Murphy calmly reassured the woman that help was on its way and has been commended for knowingly putting herself in an extremely dangerous situation, displaying courage throughout the ordeal. The sheer force and speed of the water was life threatening and the actions of PC Murphy potentially saved her life. The official press release states:

“Throughout the incident she remained calm despite knowing that both her own and the woman’s lives were at risk. She continually held on, despite the force of the river against her and showed great determination and resilience.”

Plamen Petkov, Civilian (deceased)

From a dangerous overflowing river to the ripping tides of the ocean. Plamen Petkov was walking on West Wittering beach in Sussex with 2 of his friends in May 2013 when they saw a woman shouting for help. Her young daughter had drifted away from shore into a flagged prohibited area, floating in a rubber ring. Plamen did not hesitate to take action. He ignored the warning signs and swam towards the distressed child. She was drifting further away from shore now almost 50 metres due to strong winds and an overpowering undercurrent. As he reached the child it is believed that she was too afraid to remain in the rubber ring, which led her to climb onto his back. Plamen attempted to make his way back to shore but due to the weight of the child and strong current, his head kept going under water. A female member of the public could see that he was struggling and managed to reach him to take the child. Plamen’s friends also swam over to help, as did the woman after safely returning the child to shore.

Plamen Petkov was now unconscious and by the time he was dragged to shore, no longer breathing. The woman who had helped him was luckily a theatre nurse, so CPR was performed immediately. Unfortunately despite her efforts and those of the lifeguards and ambulance crew that were shortly in attendance, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

I have the utmost respect for this man. Plamen didn’t hesitate to help and his selfless actions potentially saved the life of a young girl. Whether or not he was aware of the risks, he did not turn back. When he got into difficulty he did not release the child to save himself. We can all learn something from his bravery.

Plamen Petkov Bulgarian-British dual national and Jonathan Allen, UK ambassador in Sofia, said that he was very proud that the Queen had awarded the medal to Petkov for his exemplary bravery. “He fully deserves this recognition”.

“Many people were on the beach on the West Wittering on that sunny day in May, but only Plamen Petkov responded to the pleas of the distraught mother and found the inner strength to jump into the treacherous waters… His indomitable courage and complete disregard for his own safety saved the life of the little girl, but unfortunately resulted in his own demise… Plamen Petkov is a true Bulgarian hero. The United Kingdom honours his heroism and his sacrifice.”

The Historical Impact of Gallantry Medals

Britain holds an antiquity of bravery and inspiring survival stories. Gallantry medals or medals of honour have been a historically successful way of rewarding people, bringing these emotional stories into the spotlight. I believe this raised awareness of bravery continues to help restore, not only the nations, but the worlds faith in humanity. Have you got an inspiring story you would like to share? Please tweet me #InspiringStories @EdwardPhelan1