Funeral tribute to much-loved hero Men he saved 30 years ago will be among mourners
THE funeral will take place of a heroic dad who rescued two men from a burning car, with those he saved 30 years ago among the mourners.
Much-loved Martin Ward, 66, from Sutton, died earlier this month following a short battle with oesophageal cancer, which he was diagnosed with in June.
A horse-drawn procession will make its way to Sutton St James Church for his service on Monday, September 27.
In 1991 Martin rescued Paul Byrom and Harry Whittaker from the car they were in when it crashed in Monks Heath. He received the British Red Cross Care in Crisis Award from Princess Diana.
Both will be at the funeral and there are expected to
“People will remember him as a loud character who everyone loved. I cannot express the amount of condolence cards, flowers, plants, letters and messages and texts I have received, it’s overwhelming.
“He just had so many close friends, while he was ill there was always someone coming over to visit.”
The couple were also well-known for their flat bed gypsy dray carriage pulled by horses.
They offered this service for occasions such as weddings and funerals and it will be used for Martin’s funeral.
He also leaves behind mum Barbara, sons Ben and Sam, daughter-in-law Kate, sisters Debra and Hazel and brother Graham.
Prior to retirement Martin worked as a security fireman at AstraZeneca.
It was on his way home that the car in front of him crashed into a tree on Chelford Road.
As the car began burning Martin had to smash a window and drag out the passenger and driver, which he did seconds before the vehicle exploded.
One of the men’s hair and face were on fire and Martin used his hands to put out the flames. Gail said: “If anyone was in trouble he would go and help them. “I was very proud of him.” Martin’s funeral service will take place at 11.30am.
The horse drawn procession will leave from the house he shared with Gail between 10.45am and 11am.
When it reaches Sutton Crossroads (cenotaph) it will be joined by Bill Baileys Jazz Band and escorted up Church Lane to the church.
A large attendance is expected.