THREE heroes who saved a man from falling to his death from a 100ft bridge have been honoured by the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson has announced Paul Aldsworth, Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth and Lee Gustard are to receive Points of Life awards for their life-saving actions in Bishop Auckland last month.
The distressed man was spotted scaling the railings of Newton Gap Viaduct and they stopped him from jumping off by hanging on to him for half an hour until help arrived and he could be brought to safety.
Read more: Heroes tell of rescue of man at County Durham viaduct
Father and son, Paul and Oscar, from Coundon, were first to stop before they were joined shortly afterwards by Lee, from Crook.
The trio bravely held the man’s full body weight, while being under immense physical strain themselves, until the emergency services arrived at the scene.
The men were nominated by Dehenna Davison, Paul and Oscar’s MP for Bishop Auckland.
She said: “When I heard about the heroic actions of Paul, Oscar, and Lee, I contacted the Prime Minister to make him aware of their heroism, and so I am absolutely delighted they are getting the national recognition they deserve through a Points of Light Award.
“These three heroes went above and beyond, putting their own lives at risk to save a complete stranger at his most vulnerable.
“They show the absolute best of our community.”
The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award were first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.
Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
Richard Holden, Lee’s MP, said: “I speak for everyone in North West Durham when I say that we are so proud of Lee: there is no doubt in my mind that his brave actions saved this man’s life at Newton Cap Viaduct.
“Alongside Paul and Oscar Aldsworth, Lee had the presence of mind to act decisively, calmly and courageously, putting himself in immense personal danger, for the sake of someone that was until that point a stranger to him.
“I am so glad that Lee was there. All three of them deserve all the praise local people have shown them, as well as the recognition they have been given with this Points of Light Award and the personal commendation given by the Prime Minister himself.”
Following their actions in saving the life of a stranger, the men are now hoping to help the campaign for enhanced safety measures on the viaduct, which dates back to 1857 and carries the A689 over the River Wear.
Paul, 49, who is dad to 19-year-old Crook Town footballer, Oscar, said: “We are very proud to receive this prestigious award but we simply just found ourselves in the right place at the right time.
“We only did what any other person would have done.
“It was our natural reaction that we helped someone who needed help because it was the right thing to do.
“The emergency services are our ‘points of light’ every day in all our communities.”
Paul said he has spoken to the son of the man they saved and been told he is ‘getting better every day’.
Lee said: “There truly are no words to describe how grateful I am for receiving this award.
“For me it was just a normal night driving home from work. Under the saddest circumstances “I have gained two friends for life in Paul and Oscar. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
“Mental health, especially in men, needs to be normalised so situations like this can be prevented.”
If you are in need of support you can contact the following:
- Samaritans are available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.
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