Denbigh school supports sea rescue hero's award bid

Jun 23 2008 By David Simister

Ysgol Heulfre pupils

A HAVE-A-GO hero who attempted to rescue a man stranded at sea has won the support of pupils at a Denbigh school this week.

The Ysgol Heulfre students are backing Garry Davies, whose brave actions nearly saved the life of Eddie Lewis in a tragic accident off Prestatyn Beach last December, to win the prestigious Council Worker of the Year Award.

"We are delighted to support this worthy campaign. We are in close contact with Garry on a number of countryside related activities and we believe he deserves some recognition for his outstanding act of bravery" said Colin Roberts, Headteacher.

Garry, who works for Denbighshire’s Countryside Services and is originally from Rhewl, is one of only two Welsh workers among the 42 finalists who have been nominated for the award.

"I’m delighted to have been nominated and I’ve had plenty of support so far, but this is the first school to have supported me." he said.

"I have a great relationship with the school, having worked with them on projects before, so it’s great that they’re supported me on this."

County council Chief Executive Ian Millar was also supportive of Garry’s nomination.

"This was an extremely brave act by Garry. He is a trained first aider and risked his own life to try and rescue the man. Garry's modesty about his bravery is also a striking feature reflected in the nomination" he said.

Voting for the awards will continue until July 3, the day when the awards will be announced at the Local Government Association’s annual conference, being held in Bournemouth.

To support Garry, tune into the Local Government Channel on satellite and digital TV, visit www.localgovernmentchannel.com or by texting LGATV 2 Garry to 80039.