This is a press release from Peter Tatchell
David Cameron urged to honour man who saved a drowning woman
The Prime Minister is being urged to secure a George Medal for Adan Abobaker, to honour his great bravery in diving into the River Thames to save a drowning woman, in November last year.
See this Evening Standard report about Adan’s rescue.
The call for a George Medal comes from human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. A copy of his letter to David Cameron follows below.
Mr Tatchell said:
“I am initiating a public campaign to secure Adan the George Medal.
“He showed great courage and saved a woman’s life. It was at night. The Thames River was dark and icy cold, with swirling dangerous currents. Adan could have drowned. It was a selfless act. Such bravery deserves an honour.
“I hope the public will join me in writing to their MP and the Prime Minister, to press for Adan to be awarded the George Medal,” he said.
You can email your MP via this website:
And you can write to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, SW1A 2AA
Further information: Peter Tatchell 0207 403 1790
Copy of Peter Tatchell’s letter to the Prime Minister David Cameron
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London SW1
6 January 2011
Dear David Cameron
Adan Abobaker – George Medal for bravery
Like many British people, I am immensely proud of Adan Abobaker, a 37 year old homeless Londoner and Somali refugee, who was staying at St Mungo’s hostel in Southwark.
On 16 November 2010, he risked his life to save a drowning woman, by diving into the River Thames near Blackfriars Bridge, despite the
freezing cold and treacherous currents. He swallowed lots water and could have drowned. He was on the verge of hypothermia when he got out of the water and he needed to be warmed at St Thomas’s Hospital for more than two hours.
Martin Garside of the Port of London Authority told the Evening Standard:
“Mr Abobaker deserves considerable praise for his selfless courage. The Thames is particularly unforgiving and harsh at this time of year and in darkness.”
Eye-witness Lucy Cuthew, 29, a books editor, told the paper:
“I saw a sad-looking young woman jump into the Thames. This man appeared very quickly, took off his coat and jumper and dived straight in to save her. He was so brave.”
See this Evening Standard report:
http://tiny.cc/cdsja
Adan’s courage deserves more than thanks and words of appreciation. I believe he should be awarded the George Medal for bravery.
He put his own life in danger, in an act of selfless heroism, to save the life of another person. His actions were far beyond what most of
us would dare.
People who show such courage merit an honour and civic recognition.
I urge you to personally ensure that Adan Abobaker is awarded the George Medal for his exceptional bravery.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Tatchell
