Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY
Gerard Morrison
Gerard, 72, was waiting in a housing association office in Greenock when one of the men waiting alongside him suddenly got up and approached the counter where staff member Lynn Robertson was helping customers.
He then walked behind the counter and without warning, stabbed the 45-year-old mother in the stomach and arm with a serrated steak knife.
Gerard immediately jumped up and went to Lynn’s aid, grabbing a chair to strike the attacker. His actions allowed Lynn to flee behind a door into another office. Once she was safe, Gerard threw the chair at the attacker and ran to seek help. The man was later arrested, and was jailed for life last year for attempted murder.
Lynn sustained a deep wound to her arm and another to her body which penetrated her liver. She underwent surgery and made a slow physical recovery, but was left permanently scarred as well as traumatised by the attack in September 2019.
Gerard, who has suffered with posttraumatic stress disorder, says: “I don’t see myself as a hero but I am glad I was there. I didn’t think, I just acted because I saw she needed my help. Lynn was totally defenceless, and was absolutely trapped when he went to attack her.
“He was hell-bent on causing harm and this poor lady was in dire straits. I don’t know to this day why I picked up a chair but it was instinctive. It was honestly frightening.”
He adds: “It’s lovely to be recognised but the best thing to come out of the whole affair is a lovely friendship with Lynn and she knows she can phone me at any time. Her daughter Abby calls me Uncle Gerry.”
Lynn says: “Gerard is my hero and he saved my life. It is hard to put into words, but what he did for me on that day means I am still here for my daughter and for my husband.
It’s been tough as we have both gone through so many emotions but I’ll be eternally grateful to Gerard.”
Gerard was left speechless when both Sir Kenny Dalglish and Sir Cliff Richard honoured him. Sir Kenny said: “I know you are a Celtic supporter and although they weren’t champions last year, in their mind and everyone else’s mind you are a champion.”
And Sir Cliff said: “I am honoured and privileged to be asked to say congratulations to you Gerard, for winning a Pride of Scotland award for bravery.
“I read the story, and you were very brave. I don’t think I could have confronted anybody armed and who turned out to be not in his full mind. It is a thrill for me to talk to you, as they told me you were a fan of mine.
“So not only are you a brave man, but you have impeccable taste.”