Conwy fire heroes to be honoured

Sep 11 2008 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

Conwy fire heroes

THREE Conwy heroes who fought a life-and-death battle to save a pensioner from his blazing home on Boxing Day last year are to receive prestigious bravery awards by Royal approval.

Paul Bryant, 44, Alan Lever, 54, and Paul Simms, 43, all of Penmaen Crescent, rushed to another house in the road shortly after midnight in an effort to save the 68-year-old man trapped inside while flames roared and blew out the windows.

Though the man later died in hospital, the men’s courage getting him out of the blazing building has been recognised. Each man is to receive a Royal Humane Society testimonial on vellum personally approved and signed by the Society’s president, Princess Alexandra.

The society’s secretary Dick Wilkinson said: “Sadly they were unable to prevent the man’s death but these men did everything in their power to give him a chance of survival.

“They showed incredible bravery to enter a burning house and great persistence in getting him out of the house when he was unwilling to leave. They richly deserve the awards they are to receive. It takes huge courage to approach a blazing building, let alone enter it. They were in serious danger themselves.”

He continued: “The three entered the house through the unlocked door, facing thick smoke and worsening fire.

“The man was found on the landing. He was in a distressed state and refusing to move. He clung to the banister rail and resisted attempts to move him.”

The three men were eventually able to carry him from the building. They then gave him first aid until emergency services arrived. They were all treated for smoke inhalation.

No date has yet been scheduled for the presentation of the award, which has been made on the recommendation of North Wales Police, but it is expected to take place in the near future.

mari.jones