Mary Lack and Duncan Strachan awarded Royal Humane Society Testimonial for bravery

The two members of Warwick BC have been recognised after saving a man’s life in the river

Mary Lack and Duncan Strachan of Warwick BC were each awarded a Royal Humane Society Testimonial on Parchment for Bravery when saving the life of an unknown man on 11 April at Warwick. A Testimonial on Parchment is awarded where someone has put themselves in danger to save, or attempt to save, someone else.

They were presented with the awards at the Warwick BC annual dinner back in September. Gary Harris, former Deputy Chair of British Rowing, made the trip to the dinner to award Mary and Duncan with their Testimonials on Parchment.

During the incident in question, a man appeared to have jumped off a bridge into a river. He was unable to swim and appeared to be inebriated. While rowing in a double, Mary and Duncan arrived to find the person struggling in the water so they stopped to help.

The man was unable to hold onto the boat and sank below the water. Mary entered the water to assist but was unable to find the person. Duncan then entered the water and was able to bring the man to the surface and tow him to the bank. They then ensured the man was breathing and in a safe location with the assistance of an unknown bystander. Mary Lack recovered the boat and brought it over to the bank.

Whilst this was happening, a member of the public called the emergency services. The man regained consciousness before the emergency services arrived and was kept away from the water by several bystanders. The emergency services arrived and attended to the man. Mary and Duncan were then able to get back into their boat and rowed back to their club.

About the Royal Humane Society

The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and also for the restoration of life by resuscitation.The Society was founded in London in 1774 by two eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, who were keen to promote techniques of resuscitation. It became apparent that people were putting their own lives in danger rescuing others and they felt that these acts of bravery should be recognised. The Society also recognises people who have contributed to the saving or attempted saving of life, though they may not have put their own life at risk. Resuscitation certificates may be granted to those who, though not professionally trained to do so, carry out a successful resuscitation.