River hero is up for award

11:18am Thursday 19th June 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A MODEST lifesaver who dragged a swimmer in York's River Ouse to safety is in line for a top award.

When a woman who had dived into the river needed rescuing, 43-year-old Graham Daniels was the quickest to respond.

Although Graham has an injured shoulder - which dislocates easily and means he virtually has to swim with one arm - he jumped into the water from the Sticklebacks River Café next to Lendal Bridge, where he works, after the alarm was raised by the business's owner, Andy Gill.

He dragged the blue-faced woman to the riverbank and slapped her back until she came round.

Graham, of Fulford was called into action when Andy, 46, shouted for help.

"I was helping in the café's kitchen when Andy ran in and asked me: Are you a strong swimmer?', said Graham. "At first, I thought it was a joke so when Andy told me there was a woman facedown in the water it took a second or two for it to register.

"I hesitated because you don't just go jumping into the river, but then I decided to hand over my wallet and glasses and go into the water. It was just an instinctive thing anybody would have done - I can't say I feel like a hero."

Andy has nominated Graham in the Public Sector Hero category in The Press Community Pride awards. He said: "There are not many people with a dislocated shoulder would jump into a river without hesitation. It was so impressive and I just can't praise enough what Graham did.

The Press still needs nominees for the York Community Pride Awards. To nominate someone, simply fill in the entry form (link below).

Send in a non-returnable picture of your nominee along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.

Send nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@thepress.co.uk