On his way home, Anthony Kershaw, a staff sergeant instructor with the local Army Cadet Force, received an urgent call from his wife. She informed him that a young woman had collapsed outside Wantage Health Centre in Mably Way, Grove.
Mr. Kershaw, a resident of Wantage, swiftly arrived at the scene where he found a woman in distress with a ligature around her neck. Acting quickly, he removed the ligature, but her breathing remained impaired. Mr. Kershaw immediately began resuscitation efforts, performing the kiss-of-life and administering CPR, assisted by an off-duty nurse who was fortunately present.
Their efforts continued steadfastly, and by the time emergency services arrived, the young woman’s condition had improved significantly. In recognition of his lifesaving actions, Mr. Kershaw has been awarded a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate. He also received personal praise from Andrew Chapman, the society’s secretary.
Mr. Chapman commented, “Fortunately, Mr. Kershaw was first aid trained and knew exactly what to do. He took charge of the situation, cut the ligature that was choking the woman, and began the fight to bring her back from the brink of death. He did a wonderful job and richly deserves the award he is to receive. This incident highlights the critical importance of learning CPR, as it can make the difference between life and death.”
The Royal Humane Society has a proud history dating back nearly 250 years and is the leading national body for honoring the bravery involved in saving human life. Founded in 1774 by medical pioneers William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, the society was originally established to promote resuscitation techniques. As it became apparent that many individuals were willing to risk their lives to save others, the awards scheme expanded to acknowledge such bravery. Today, the society celebrates both healthcare professionals and laypeople who have performed successful resuscitations.
Since its inception, the Society has reviewed over 90,000 cases and issued more than 220,000 awards. As a registered charity, it relies solely on voluntary donations, receiving no public funding.
For those interested in contributing to their community or learning vital lifesaving skills, explore local opportunities through Wantage’s business directory. Whether you wish to create a free business profile or participate in local activities, numerous resources and events are available for community engagement.
