Heroes who pulled woman from fire win Community Gold Award (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Heroes who pulled woman from fire win Community Gold Award

12:20pm Monday 19th October 2009 in

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TWO best friends who saved the life of an elderly woman after rescuing her from a ferocious fire which engulfed her St Albans home have won our tenth community award.

For the first time in Community Gold Award history, we have a double winner.

Adam Rushbrook and Joe Brame have been chosen as this month's winning nominees in the Review's search for an unsung hero.

The scheme, run in conjunction with local solicitors Debenhams Ottaway, aims to recognise those who go that extra mile to make a postive contribution to society.

Adam, 23, and Joe, 22, pulled frail Iris Baker to safety when her home in Folly Lane was destroyed by fire earlier this month.

The selfless and courageous actions of these two young men captured the attention of our judging panel, Godfrey Mathers of Debenhams Ottaway and Review editor Martin Buhagiar.

Godfrey said: "These boys put their lives on the line to save someone else. Without any thought at all they put someone else's life before their own safety. It was heroic stuff, it's what the community needs."

Martin added: "This is what our campaign is all about: giving those who go above and beyond the call of duty the recognition they deserve.

"The hardest part is choosing a winner because all of our nominees deserve to win a Community Gold Award."

The Verulam School friends were returning to Adam's home after having breakfast in the city centre when his mum, Angela, alerted them to the blaze in the house next door, where Iris and Peter Baker, who are in their seventies, live.

Without hesitation, Joe darted into the smoke-logged house, with Adam hot on his heels. Joe discovered Iris lying on her front in the hallway, unable to escape from the flames, which were just feet away.

He managed to lift the pensioner, who was conscious but unable to walk, onto his shoulders and carry her to the front door where he was helped by Adam to flee the danger zone.

Accepting the nomination with the greatest modesty, Adam said: "I'm quite proud. Joe should be the one getting it. My mum was involved quite a bit as well - it was a team effort."

Speaking after the blaze, watch commander at St Albans Fire Station Paul Farrow, who was at the scene, said: "They saved her life. It was a very brave thing to do."

The awards will run throughout 2009.

Review readers will be asked to nominate individuals for a Community Gold Award. Each month a winner will be chosen by the judges and details of their community work will be published by the Review.

Nominations could come from any part of the community including: schools, charities, sports clubs, businesses, essential services and even from friends or neighbours.

At the end of 2009 the monthly winners will be invited to an awards dinner, when an overall winner will be announced.

To nominate someone, text the word “hero” to 80360 followed by their name, your name and a brief description of what they have done. You can also nominate somebody via email. Simply send your nomination catchlined “Hero” to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk Nominations can also be made by phone: Simply call 09012210080 and leave your details when prompted.

Keep checking the Review website for Joe's reaction to his nomination.