A Southport man who was honoured for his heroism returned to his former school to chat with students.
Liam Howard, who won the Sefton Courage Award sponsored by EFT Group at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards in April, was delighted to head back to Linaker Primary in Southport to talk about his experiences and his time at the school.
Last month, Linaker Primary won the Sefton School Of The Year Award, sponsored by Southport Education Group, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
At the event, Liam was hailed as “an absolute hero” after he saved the man’s life – giving his relieved family new memories together.
Liam was on duty at the NCP car park on London Street in Southport town centre, next to Southport Train Station, in October when he stepped in to help the man, who was in distress and trying to take his own life.
He opened the door to the car that the man was in, stemmed the bleeding and comforted him until paramedics arrived.
He then ensured the man was given privacy as medics tended to his wounds.
The man has now fully recovered – and has been able to spend a very happy Christmas and a memorable holiday with his family.
Liam Howard said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the students, teachers and especially Mr Cunniffe, the Headteacher at Linaker Primary School, for inviting me back and giving me such a warm welcome to my old school.
“A few Year 4 students asked me questions, and they were all absolutely brilliant – so well mannered, polite, and full of fantastic questions.
“It was an absolute pleasure meeting every single one of them, as well as all of the other students I saw passing through the school and classrooms. They should be so proud of themselves.
“It was amazing, emotional, and incredibly nostalgic for me to have a tour around the school and see just how much it has changed from when I left back in 1993 to what it is today.
“Walking through those halls / playground again brought back so many happy memories and reminded me just how special my time there was.
“What a truly wonderful school Linaker is. I applaud all of the students, staff, teachers, and the Headteacher for the amazing work they continue to do every single day.
“It was also so well deserved to see Linaker win ‘The Sefton School of the Year Award’ at The Pride of Sefton Awards, which I was proud to also attend, honoured to win at myself, and even more thrilled to see my old school receive such a special honour.
“Thank you once again for the invitation, and well done again to all of the students for their brilliant questions. It was a real privilege to be there.
“I look forward to keeping in touch, sharing updates, and hopefully coming back to visit again in the future.
“I’m truly grateful, and Linaker Primary School will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
Linaker Primary School said: “It was great to welcome Liam Howard back to Linaker Primary School!
“Liam, a fellow Grand period Of Sefton Awards winner who attended Linaker as a child, walked down memory lane and had a chat with some of our Year 4 children about what school was like when he was a child and how it felt to win a Pride of Sefton Courage Award.
“It was great to learn Liam’s story and hear about how teachers at Linaker helped shape the man he’s become, someone who shows great empathy towards others.”
If you know someone who deserves a Grand Pride Of Sefton Award please visit: Pride Of Sefton Awards
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