The High Sheriff Bravery Award

A tragic incident on the M25 in Surrey back in February 2023 resulted in the loss of two lives and serious injury to a third person, caused by dangerous driving by the man who they were travelling with. Two members of the public who alerted the emergency services and helped on the scene, and three Paramedics, one of which was in training, have been recognised for their bravery whilst handling the extremely traumatic situation. The terrible scene faced by all those involved was one which is unlikely to be forgotten by them and as a society we have much to be thankful for in having brave, decent and level-headed people both willing to serve as professionals attending in emergency situations and when the unexpected happens.

Ladislav Toth and his colleague Rodney Peacock – two members of the Public on their way back from work, stopped to help the survivors, alert oncoming motorists, and assist the paramedics – Katie Perry, Ben Wakefield (in training) and Daren Dyer.

The five were presented with Bravery Awards for their actions by the High Sheriff of Surrey – Mr Shahid Azeem DL at a Ceremony presided over by Judge Lees and Judge Fraser at Guildford Crown Court. The High Sheriff said, “The actions of these individuals during what must have been a harrowing experience both for the two citizens who stepped in to help and the Paramedics who handled the situation with professionalism and in very difficult circumstances, need to be recognised and on behalf of the County I thank them for their bravery and dedication to duty”

One of the Recipients – Paramedic Daren Dyer added, “I would like to thank the High Sheriff and the judges for this award. Being recognized in this way is an incredible achievement for both my colleagues and me. I also want to acknowledge the two members of the public who were first on the scene. Their actions remind us that even without formal training, ordinary people can make a real difference in moments of crisis. As professionals, we are trained to handle incidents of all magnitudes, though we always hope they never happen. But when they do, we are committed to providing the best possible patient care, ensuring every effort is made to preserve life and promote recovery. Thank you again for this honour—it means so much to all of us.”

Photography by Andy Newbold.