A 17-year-old West Cumbrian army cadet, who helped save a man’s life, has been awarded one of the service’s highest honours.
Tamara Telford, 17, of Cleator Moor, is a member of the Cumbria Army Cadet Force.
In 2020, she was faced by a man suffering from mental health issues, who had cut himself on his neck several times with a razor blade.
The Army Cadet Force said: “As she approached, she saw a woman crying as several adults just continued to walk past. It was at that point she saw the man in need of immediate help due to the serious injuries he had sustained.
“Tamara at first was unnerved as the injuries were very severe, but because of the first aid training she had received while in the army cadets she immediately took control and started to administer first aid while reassuring the casualty.
“Tamara applied direct pressure with large wads of tissues to stem the bleeding and when the paramedics arrived she was asked to continue applying direct pressure until they were ready to take him to hospital.
“She acted with integrity and courage to do her best for this person, potentially placing herself at risk.”
She has been awarded the Order of Mercy Foundation Medal for Distinguished Service for Cadets for her quick thinking and in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community.
Only five of the medals are awarded each year.
Tamara joined Cumbria ACF in September 2016, rising to the rank of corporal in 2019.
She is part of the Exchange Corner community action group, where she has brought together different groups to socialise and have purpose where previously they would stay at home alone.
Its knit and natter group has enabled people to create blankets in their community to gift to those in need.
She also mentors younger teens and children, giving guidance and setting a positive example to those she meets in the town.
In support of the recommendation for this award, Michelle Denwood, of Cleator Caring Moor, said: “Her enthusiasm and respect, shown to the residents of this town has shown her to be a role model to other young people.
“She helped to decorate the town in preparation for Remembrance Weekend 2021, setting the example to others in support of veterans and their families.
“Tamara makes every effort to support the older and younger generations in her local community, highlighting their needs to the charity group and ensuring those needs are addressed by their work.
“This includes helping pensioners, veterans, Her volunteer role within this project has been collecting and sorting of goods and then delivering those out to families in need, reaching along the whole west coast of Cumbria.
“This can build up to 20 hours volunteering a week through December and more over the days leading up to and over Christmas.”
A Cumbria ACF spokesman said: “Tamara’s volunteering efforts within her local area are outstanding and promote the kindness and hard work our younger generation put into their communities.
“We felt it was right that she be acknowledged for her integrity, courage and selfless commitment, being integral to the values upheld within the army cadets.
“We are very proud and pleased that she has been recognised nationally for her efforts.”
