Firefighter commendation for saving man’s life at football match

A firefighter who was credited for saving a man’s life after he suffered a cardiac arrest at a football match has been recognised with a special commendation.

Ade Wilkes, an on-call firefighter based in Cannock and part of orange watch, handed the award at a ceremony on Monday (14 July) attended by the family of the man whose life he saved.

Stuart Wright, aged 60, of Wimblebury, had been attending the Hednesford Town v Congleton Town match at Hednesford on Saturday 3 May, when he was taken ill.

The football fan, who attended the match with his two sons and 10-year-old nephew, collapsed when supporters were celebrating the side's success in the Northern Premier League West Division play-off final.

Ade ran to Stuart’s aid when a call out was made for medical assistance and he administered CPR as well as four rounds from the defibrillator before the air ambulance arrived.

Stuart has since been discharged from hospital and is continuing his recovery at home.

Speaking after ceremony at Cannock station, Stuart’s son Jake, said: “We had a lovely evening seeing Ade get the recognition for what he did for our family by saving our Dad’s life.

“It was amazing to see and to be able to thank him again in person and meet his wonderful family and work crew.”

Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, who presented the award, said: “Ade’s actions show how committed our firefighters are whether they’re on or off-duty to helping the public and doing all they can to protect and save lives.

“I am immensely proud of Ade and his actions that day which represent the best of our service and I know his efforts have had a considerable impact not only on Stuart, his family and friends, but also the wider community in Hednesford.”

Commenting following the commendation, Ade said: “It is an honour to have such an award and to be recognised.

“But it was especially poignant to be there to see Stuart and his family and to acknowledge the positive outcome for them.

“I’m so glad I was able to help Stuart and his family and would do it again in a heartbeat.”

To find out more about how you can become an on-call or full-time firefighter with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit: Careers | Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service