TWO St John Ambulance national awards went to Derby winners last night.
A teenager who saved the life of a man who collapsed in the street and was hailed as a first-aid hero by the Derby Telegraph collected one of the Everyday Heroes award.
And a fund-raising group set up in memory of a Derby teen who collapsed and died because of an undiagnosed heart condition was similarly acclaimed.
It meant two of the eight prizes handed out at last night's annual ceremony – hosted by Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly in London – were to people or groups from Derby.
Sam Herbert and the Friends of Sam Wright committee have already been featured in the Derby Telegraph for their efforts as part of our Save a Life campaign. We have teamed up with St John Ambulance to offer a discount on first-aid training.
Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance and chairman of judges for the awards, said: "These Everyday Heroes are an inspiration to us all. Anyone can learn first aid but not enough people do."
Army cadet Sam was walking home with friend Jean Michael Vaco-Vallejo when they saw the man fall over in front of them and stop breathing in Macklin Street, Derby, last year.
The 15-year-old attempted to resuscitate the man and, when he realised he was not strong enough to perform CPR, asked a woman passer-by to help.
They stayed with the 55-year-old man until paramedics took him to the Royal Derby Hospital, where he regained consciousness and his condition was stabilised.
Last month, Sam, of Duke Street, Derby, was named as a finalist for the Mail on Sunday Guy Evans Young Hero of the Year award and he was announced as the winner last night.
And the Friends of Sam Wright committee won the First Aid Champion award for teaching others basic skills.
The group was formed after Sam, 19, was found dead at his home in Carsington Crescent, Allestree, in December 2011.
He had not complained of any serious illness before he collapsed. His condition was discovered after his death.
Members of the friends' group have been raising money for national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry).
And they bought a defibrillator for Woodlands School, where Sam was a former pupil, after raising more than £27,000.
Sue Killen said: "We urge everyone to follow these life-savers' lead, so you too can be the difference between life and death."
Recycling workers Andrew Mallyon-Price, John Kobayashi and Chris Bills and ex-nurse Rebecca Stephenson were also invited to attend the awards after saving the life of pensioner John Mayfield.
He suffered a heart attack and collapsed at the Northwood Household Waste Recycling Centre in Darley Dale. They had been nominated in the Workplace Hero category but did not win.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
