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Spirit of Fire Awards 2014 – Local Nominees

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Spirit of Fire Awards 2014 – Local Nominees

The shortlist for the national awards ceremony, organised by The Fire Fighters Charity, includes Tracey Jane Marriott, from Evesham and Adam Criddle from Ross-on-Wye.

The Spirit of Fire Awards are held annually to honour members of the Fire and Rescue Service, and members of the public, by recognising bravery within the fire community and dedication to The Fire Fighters Charity.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, who supported Jane and Adam’s nomination, said: “I am delighted that both Tracey and Adam have been recognised by The Fire Fighters Charity. They both demonstrated amazing acts of bravery and showed extreme courage. It was for these reasons that they were recipients at our own medal and award ceremonies last year.”

“I would like to wish them the very best of luck and I hope they enjoy their evenings at the award ceremony.”

Adult Hero Award – Tracey Jane Marriott

Tracey had just settled down to watch TV with her family when she heard a fire alarm. Rushing outside she could see flames coming from her neighbour Tom’s bungalow. She knew Tom was unable to walk and required medical oxygen. Tom’s bedroom was on fire – witnesses described the window as ‘full of flame’. Concerned for her neighbour, and without regard for her own safety, Tracey entered the bungalow in an attempt to get to Tom. The curtains and bedding were on fire and Tom was sitting on his bed with the clothing on his left arm also on fire. When the fire service arrived several minutes later, Tracey, helped by her daughter, had managed to extinguish his clothing and get Tom outside, where both Tracey and Tom were attended to by ambulance staff.

Youth Courage Award Nominee - Adam Criddle (aged 13)

The actions of a Llangrove teenager prevented a fire from spreading at his home. While his mum was shopping for new school shoes for him, he chose to stay at home and went upstairs for a sleep. Waking to the smell of smoke, and with barely a moment to think, he ran barefoot to the garage, opened the doors and saw flames coming from a tumble drier. He immediately grabbed the hose pipe and started to spray. Incredibly, and risking his own safety, Adam also removed petrol cans from the garage, before dialling 999. ‘All I could think was, I can’t let mum’s house burn down,’ he said.

Now in its ninth year, The Spirit of Fire Awards is the most prestigious event in the fire and rescue calendar, with the aim of raising as much as possible for The Fire Fighters Charity – the UK’s leading provider of life-enhancing services for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. The event attracts Chief Fire Officers along with key politicians and celebrity supporters. It will be held at the Westminster Park Plaza in London.