The Prime Minister has honoured three heroic men from County Durham who saved a man from plunging 100ft from Newton Cap Viaduct.
Paul Aldsworth, his son Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth and Lee Gustard were driving over the Newton Gap Viaduct in Bishop Auckland in February 2022 when they spotted a man scaling the railings.
Believing that he was about to jump from the viaduct, Paul and Oscar immediately rushed to the man's rescue and managed to grab his arms as the man let go of the railings.
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They were swiftly joined by Lee who had also witnessed the incident and joined the rescue effort, which saved the man's life. The trio bravely held the man’s full body weight, whilst being under immense physical strain themselves, until the emergency services arrived at the scene.
Following their life-saving actions, the trio is to receive Points of Life awards. The accolade comes after they were nominated by Dehenna Davison, MP for Bishop Auckland.
She said: "When I heard about the heroic actions of Paul, Oscar, and Lee, I contacted the Prime Minister to make him aware of their heroism. So I am absolutely delighted they are getting the national recognition they deserve through a Points of Light Award.
"These three heroes went above and beyond, putting their own lives at risk to save a complete stranger at his most vulnerable. They show the absolute best of our community."
Richard Holden, Lee's MP for North West Durham, said: "I speak for everyone in North West Durham when I say that we are so proud of Lee. There is no doubt in my mind that his brave actions saved this man's life at Newton Cap Viaduct.
"Alongside Paul and Oscar Aldsworth, Lee had the presence of mind to act decisively, calmly and courageously. He put himself in immense personal danger, for the sake of someone that was until that point a stranger to him.
"I am so glad that Lee was there. All three of them deserve all the praise local people have shown them, as well as the recognition they have been given with this Points of Light Award and the personal commendation given by the Prime Minister himself."
The men are also hoping to help the campaign for enhanced safety measures on the viaduct, which dates back to 1857 and carries the A689 over the River Wear.
After finding out that they were going to receive Points of Life awards, Paul and Oscar said they were "very proud". Paul and Oscar said: "We are very proud to receive this prestigious award but we simply just found ourselves in the right place at the right time.
"We only did what any other person would have done. It was our natural reaction that we helped someone who needed help because it was the right thing to do.
"The emergency services are our 'points of light' every day in all our communities."
Lee said: "There truly are no words to describe how grateful I am for receiving this award. For me, it was just a normal night driving home from work.
"Under the saddest circumstances, I have gained two friends for life in Paul and Oscar. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. Mental health, especially in men, needs to be normalised so situations like this can be prevented."
For free, anonymous support for people in distress, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123 or by email to jo@samaritans.org
