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• Healey leads Government tribute to local flood heroes

Healey leads Government tribute to local flood heroes

Local heroes who showed courage, ingenuity and community spirit during and in the aftermath of this summer's floods are being recognised at an official Government reception at historic Lancaster House later today.

As a tribute to their efforts and the strength of character they displayed over 300 people from flood-hit communities around the country have been invited to attend this evening's reception hosted by Floods Recovery Minister John Healey.

These 'local flood heroes' were nominated by MPs, local authorities and other bodies for a whole range of reasons including putting their own lives at risk to save others; opening their homes to strangers to provide shelter, warmth and food; or working non-stop for many hours without a break in cold, wet, difficult and dark conditions. In some cases this was while their own homes were flooded. The local heroes include:

• A Croydon barber who dived into raging waters to rescue a woman trapped in her car.
• A Salvation Army member from Rotherham who worked tirelessly dispensing drinks and reassurance as well as co-ordinating local donations.
• A volunteer coastguard from Hull who helped rescue 104 elderly residents from a flooded rest home.
• A 16 year-old army cadet from Sheffield who carried an elderly woman on his back to help her escape the floodwaters.
• A Cheltenham woman who spent 17 hours in the water helping to rescue some 200 people.
• The Loughborough RSPCA Chief Inspector who rescued over 350 farm and domestic animals.

This summer saw some of the worst flooding for more than a century. It affected large parts of the country causing widespread devastation and misery for thousands of people. The emergency services responded magnificently as did local communities themselves. That is why in October John Healey asked for nominations of people to be recognised for their tremendous efforts to help those affected by this summer's floods.

John Healey MP said:

"As Floods Recovery Minister I have made many visits to areas devastated by this summer's floods. Everywhere I have been I have heard stories of how communities have pulled together to help those in need - ordinary people who did extraordinary things. These people who showed courage, ingenuity and real community spirit during those difficult times deserve recognition and the country's thanks.

"That's why I asked local authorities, MPs and other bodies to nominate some of those people they felt should be recognised for their magnificent efforts. I have been really impressed hearing these people's stories - stories of selflessness, bravery, strength of character, incredible generosity and sheer grit and determination. They represent the very best of Britain and we should be proud of all of them and grateful for their efforts. I look forward to meeting them and thanking them in person later this evening."

The nominees include ordinary members of the community as well as representatives of the RNLI, RSPCA, HM Coastguard, British Red Cross, Fire and Rescue Service, police and armed forces, social and council services and others. Some of the nominations include volunteers called to assist communities far from their own home outside of the flooded areas. They include:

• Nigel Periam and Bill Read, street force wardens, rescued a wheelchair bound man and his family trapped in their flooded bungalow in Gainsborough.
• RSPCA Chief Inspector Simon Parker from Loughborough rescued over 350 farm and domestic animals from across at least 4 counties in the midlands and Gloucestershire.
• Melanie Futer of Lowdham, rescued many elderly residents and offered them shelter in her own home.
• Evan Jaffer Mohamod, a barber from Croydon, dived in to raging waters to rescue a lady trapped in her car at Wallington Railway bridge. He was injured in the process.
• Peter Leigh, New Romney, Peter Drew, from Rye, with Simon Emms (account manager with GEC) and Chris Missen (Police community support officer) of Porthcawl, south Wales were RNLI emergency response teams sent to Tewkesbury, Pershore, Kidderminister, Droitwich, and rescued many people.
• Care Manager Ruth Hart, from Barnsley, helped rescue 50 elderly residents from a care home four feet deep in water. This included helping carry a 92 year-old woman in her wheelchair up some stairs and through water to a rescue boat.
• Grandfather John Feane rescued a number of elderly and frail residents from their bungalows in Thatcham, near Newbury in West Berkshire, breaking through windows and doors to get access.
• Alan George, a rescue volunteer from Alveston, South Gloucestershire, co-ordinated radio communications between the swimming rescue and boat volunteers and 11 RAF helicopter crews to save the lives of people in the Tewkesbury Abbey area.
• Helen Moss, of Cheltenham spent 17 hours in the water assisting in the rescue of some 200 people. Despite exhaustion setting in after 5 hours after an hours rest she returned to the water. She assisted in the rescue of 6 people from trees and called in the helicopters.
• Gloucester Firefighter Tally Giampa was fire officer in charge of Mythe water Treatment works. He coordinated efforts and was responsible for the safety of some 900 people on the site including ghurkas, marines, navy, and highways staff.
• Les Clarke from Rotherham is representing the many Salvation Army members who worked so hard to help others during the floods. Les worked tirelessly dispensing drinks and reassurance, co-ordinated other Salvation Army members, arranged for donations from local shops and is currently organising an open air Christmas Carol service for the area.
• Geoff Northcott, a businessman from Hull, led a team of volunteer coastguards in rescuing 104 elderly residents from the flooded Trinity House Rest Home. They worked throughout the day and well into the night in order to bring relief whenever and wherever they were needed.

Notes to Editors

Lancaster House, dating from about 1830, is used for official Government receptions. It is close to St James's Palace, Buckingham Palace and St James' Park in central London.

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