This afternoon, representing the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, our Treasurer and operational member Martin Banks and our Team Secretary and Support Group member Gillian Gregory, were honoured to be guests of NWAS at their Greater Manchester Area Awards Ceremony.
Held at the De Vere Village Hotel, Waterfold Business Park, Bury, Martin and Gillian arrived for the 12.30hrs start.
The following detailed report on today has been made by our Secretary Gillian Gregory;
“Our Team Treasurer and call-out member, Martin Banks, and Team Secretary and Support Group member, Gillian Gregory, represented Bolton Mountain Rescue Team today at the Awards Ceremony held by the North West Ambulance Service at the Urban Village Hotel, Waterfold, Bury.
Martin and Gillian were invited to join a table with Derek Cartwright, NWAS Director of Operations, Ged Blezard, NWAS Deputy Director of Operations, Sarah Faulkner, NWAS Director of Quality, Mick Forrest, NWAS Director of Organisational Development. Ian Wiggett, Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, and Peter O’Reilly, Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.
Following a welcome by NWAS Head of Service, Steve Hynes, and speeches by NWAS Chair, Wyn Dignan, and Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith, Queen’s Long Service medals were presented to members of NWAS staff by the Lord Lieutenant and NWAS Chief Executive, Bob Williams.
These were followed by Long Service medals for 20 years’, 25 years, 30 years’ and 35 years’ service, presented by Wyn Dignan and Bob Williams.
The Syl Riley Memorial Award was presented to NWAS Performance Manager, Dan Thurston.
A special GMFRS Commendation was presented to a team of Firefighters.
In March 2015, whilst on duty responding to a life threatening incident involving one of their team members went into cardiac arrest.
By the team’s prompt actions, using their Basic Life Support skills including an AED, they resuscitated their colleague prior to the arrival of NWAS.
Their actions as a team were significant to the recovery of one of their colleagues and despite the circumstances surrounding this incident, the team performed to a high standard of resuscitation and were commended today at this Awards Ceremony.
Following the awards’ presentations, guests were treated to a delicious buffet and the opportunity to chat amongst themselves.
Martin and Gillian would like to thank NWAS for inviting them to attend such an important event and for their kind hospitality throughout.
Both Martin and Gillian would also like to especially mention the large amount of interest shown in the work of the Bolton MRT by the many guests present at todays ceremony.
