Hero part-time Appleby firefighter Stephen Wharton has won a prestigious national award for his bravery.
It was announced on This Morning today that Stephen had won a Pride of Britain Award.
Stephen saved the life of 13-year-old Kacper Krouze – who had been under water for 25 minutes – by rescuing him from the River Eden.
Kacper had been been attempting to swim across the river when the cold water sent his body into shock and he sunk to the bottom.
Initially, Stephen dived in with his flotation device on, but the safety equipment he was wearing meant he couldn’t swim down.
So, going against protocol, he removed his device, helmet and all the air from his dry suit to enable him to dive 15 feet to the bottom of the river – risking his own life in strong currents and freezing conditions in February 2019.
Firefighter John Bell also went into the river and they were supported by firefighters David Anderton, Michael Dowding, Bradley Hall, James Wood and Neil Aitken from the riverbank.
Firefighters and paramedics resuscitated Kacper and he was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Newcastle where he spent several weeks in intensive care and made a strong recovery.
Earlier this year, Stephen was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his actions and after the incident, the Chief Fire Officer’s Certificate of Commendation was presented to the crew at Appleby Fire Station, with Kacper and his family attending the presentation.
Chief fire officer John Beard said the crew acted selflessly and professionally in extremely challenging circumstances.
He added: “There is no doubt that the quick thinking, courage and professionalism of all those involved in this rescue helped save the life of a young man that afternoon, including the paramedics, doctors and the Great North Air Ambulance.
“This was a first-class rescue and the way in which crew manager Stephen Wharton and the combined efforts of the Appleby crew dealt with a very high-pressured situation was exemplary. It was an act of bravery which is thoroughly deserving of the award.”
Stephen said: “It is such a great privilege being awarded The Pride of Britain Award. I really appreciate being nominated, but I’m just happy Kacper got back to his family. That’s the main thing.
“I’d also like to thank the rest of Appleby Crew who supported me that day. This was a team effort and I’m very honoured to have been recognised.”
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, will be broadcast on ITV 1 on November 4 at 8pm.
