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College Pupil Presented With Youth Community Award

Community, Youth Services

Pictured: PhilMatthews, Alfie Williams, Ruth Britton and Ruth's granddaughter Emily Curryer 

Hailsham Community College pupil Alfie Williams was presented with this year’s John Britton Award for Service to the Community, at a special presentation event held at Hailsham Community College today [19 December].

At the award presentation, the recipient was awarded with an inscribed silver cup and key ring in recognition of his actions earlier this year, whereby he had saved a man’s life who had fallen of his kayak into the sea.

“I would like to publicly congratulate the actions of our Year 9 student, Alfie Williams, who recently saved a man’s life!” said Phil Mathews, Principal at Hailsham Community College.

Alfie Williams was on Eastbourne beach with his friends when on 21st April of this year when they saw a man in a kayak fall into the sea and shout for help. Alfie immediately swam out a significant distance to the end of the pier and guided the man safely back to the shore. The paramedics who attended the scene said the man was in genuine danger and praised Alfie for saving his life.

Mr Mathews added: “Alfie has modestly said that anybody would have done the same thing. I disagree. I think if we are all honest, most of us would stand by and wait for somebody else to take action.”

“Alfie has shown himself to be a very impressive young man, who can feel very proud indeed of his quick and selfless actions. I took great pleasure in awarding him with a Certificate of Excellence immediately after the event and am delighted for him that his outstanding contribution has now been recognised via the John Britton Award.”

Town Mayor Cllr Nigel Coltman said that receiving this prestigious accolade is a great honour and one Alfie richly deserves: “Today, there are many different activities going on in Hailsham for young people to get involved in. It takes a skilled and genuine person to have the impact on young people that John Britton did.”

“The fact that this award is being offered gives us a brilliant opportunity to recognise that young people do a lot of positive things with their lives. Alfie should be proud of his dedication, selflessness and support towards the man whose life he saved earlier this year. Thank you, congratulations and well done to you Alfie.”

Ruth Britton, founder of the John Britton Award, said: “Alfie is a very brave young man, and a worthy winner of the John Britton Award.  His family must be extremely proud of him.”

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Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk