Glasgow's Brave Heart
Monday, 10 October 2011
Glasgow Reform Synagogue member Steven Anson's bravery was recently recognised when he was presented with a Brave@Heart award by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond during a ceremony held at Edinburgh Castle.
Steven, who is the synagogue's membership officer, came to the rescue of a woman who had fallen through the ice of a frozen reservoir in December 2009. Hanging onto a branch up to her neck in the icy water, she was unable to get out.
Steven removed his trouser belt and crawled onto the ice. He managed to get one end to the woman and instructed her to lean on the ice as he pulled her towards him. Eventually the woman reached the edge of the reservoir and was helped out. Steven and his wife Hilary, who had been communicating with emergency services, then took her to a nearby doctor.
He has also been cited for a Royal Humane Society Vellum Testimonial Award and an additional award from Strathclyde Police.
The Brave@Heart award citation reads: "In recognition of commendable bravery the First Minister of Scotland is honoured to present this award to Steven Anson, signed Alex Salmond , Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP for the Scottish Government."
The special ceremony in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle featured pipers and a private viewing for the guests of the 'Honours of Scotland' - otherwise known as the Scottish crown jewels.
Ben Rich, Chief Executive of the Movement for Reform Judaism said: "We are all so proud of Steven who put the welfare of another person before concerns for his own safety. The Mishnah says that whoever saves a single life, it as if he saved an entire world, which lends even greater significance to Steven's actions".
Steven has a long association with the Reform Movement. He grew up attending YASGB summer camps and his father, Martin Anson was a founder member of the Glasgow New Synagogue, later Glasgow Reform Synagogue and a past Chairman and President of the shul.
Steven said: "It was an honour to be presented with a bravery award in the company of so many emergency service responders. Out of 60 people nominated, 30 were chosen to receive awards and less than a third of them were members of the public.
"I was especially pleased to receive this honour from the country that gave sanctuary to my parents, who fled Germany in 1939 to escape persecution by the Nazis."
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
