Lifesavers nominated for national award

Andrew Mallyon-Price, Chris Bills and John Kobyashi, of HW Martin Waste Ltd’s Northwood Centre, in Darley Dale, have been named as finalists in the Workplace Hero category for the St John Ambulance’s annual award ceremony, in London.

On January 4 last year Andrew and his team of staff were going about their normal duties on the Northwood Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Darley Dale, when customer John Mayfield suffered a heart attack.

Andrew, along with deputy manager Chris Bills and recycling advisor John Kobyashi sprang into action, putting into use the knowledge and skills they had gained through the first aid training they have received.

The three of them together were able to perform CPR on John for almost 30 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

John, of Bakewell, who has since been fitted with an ICD, recovered well following the incident and his family credits the quick intervention of the three men with his survival.

He said: “I am so grateful to them for saving my life and I am so pleased and proud that they have been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of their efforts.”

Speaking on behalf of the trio, Andrew said: “We are really proud to have been shortlisted for this award. When the incident happened we just worked as a team and the training we had received just kicked in.

“We are very proud that we managed to save Mr Mayfield’s life and it just goes to show how valuable this kind of training and knowledge is. We are all now looking forward to the awards evening in London.”

The awards take place on March 26 and recognise individuals who have saved a life with first aid or who have made an extraordinary first aid achievement in their workplace.

Andrew, Chris and John are up against four other finalists from across the country in the Workplace Hero category. The Workplace Hero Award is sponsored by Zoll UK.