Awards for heroic hospital guards
TWO hospital security guards who stopped a distraught woman from throwing herself off a bridge have been presented with awards for their heroics.
Stepping Hill guards Ali Jallow and Andy Tobin were working their shift at the hospital’s busy A&E when they noticed a woman in a distressed state leaving the department.
Concerned for her welfare, Ali and Andy followed her to Bramhall Moor Lane bridge, where she tried to throw herself onto the train tracks beneath.
As they tried desperately to get her to safety, the woman - who turned out to be a trained kick boxer - lashed out and landed several blows on the pair.
Eventually they managed to grab her arms and legs to prevent her jumping, and took her back to the safety of the hospital.
Now GoToJobBoard, an online job service for non-medical roles in the health industry, have honoured the pair with an unsung hero award.
After receiving his award Ali said: “It was a great surprise to me because I have never heard about the award before.
“I never thought that there is an organisation out there that recognises the little impact we make to put smiles on the faces of people we meet every day.
“I loved the atmosphere at the ceremony and I was so surprised when my name was announced.
“I will always do my best to help others, knowing fully well that the sacrifices are not in vain.”
Operations manager Mark Cherry added: “Ali and Andy demonstrated incredible courage and compassion.
“Every Unsung Hero Award winner represents some of the most hardworking and dedicated non-medical staff in the NHS today.
“The NHS doesn’t get enough credit, especially when it comes to nonmedical staff, so it’s great to host these awards and make NHS staff feel special and proud of the hard word they do every day.”
Ann Barnes, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill added: “I’m delighted that Ali and Andy have won this award. They are real heroes who showed courage and compassion in doing their utmost to save this young woman’s life.
“They are an absolute credit to our organisation, their colleagues and their families.”