Latest news with #bravery
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Bravery award for man, 84, who fought off Maltby laundrette mugger
A pensioner who fought off a mugger with the help of a pair of jeans has been commended for his Croker was on his own at the Coin-Op Launderette in Maltby, Rotherham, on 7 January when a masked Lloyd Smith burst in and demanded his Croker, 84, wrapped a pair of jeans around his arm to protect him from any potential weapons and shoved Smith, 42, back through the week, Mr Croker was presented with a commendation for his "tremendous courage" in fighting off Smith, who has since been jailed for the attack. Mr Croker suffered bruises to his hands and arm but otherwise escaped without losing his wallet or any other previously told the BBC he had worked "all my life" for his money and decided Smith was "not having it". Rotherham District Commander Ch Supt Andy Wright said Mr Croker's actions had been "nothing short of remarkable"."We often talk about police officers running towards danger when others run away from it," he said."In this instance, Ron did neither. He stood his ground, fought for what is right and showed tremendous courage when it would have been easy not to."According to South Yorkshire Police, Smith was identified by members of the public after CCTV footage of the attack was of Myrtle Grove, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was jailed for three years and nine months at Sheffield Crown Court in June. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
CNA
4 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
England, Sweden players proud of penalty shootout performance despite criticism
ZURICH :Players from England and Sweden heaped praise on each other for their bravery in a penalty shootout at the Women's European Championship on Thursday, despite a record-low conversion rate and criticism from fans. England's 3-2 shootout victory over Sweden, which secured the reigning champions a place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals, featured missed efforts and saves by both goalkeepers. Yet with England missing four and Sweden missing five of their seven efforts, the players drew plenty of online criticism. "For anyone to step up, it takes a lot, so credit to anyone who takes a penalty in those moments," England forward Alessia Russo said. After what was described on the BBC website as the "greatest and worst shootout of all time", Sweden defender Smilla Holmberg received comfort, not criticism, from players on both sides after missing the decisive kick. "(We told her) that she should be proud of herself, that she is brave, that she has played a great championship and that she is awesome," an emotional Sweden keeper Jennifer Falk told reporters. The meagre 36 per cent conversion rate was the worst combined penalty shootout rate in UEFA Women's Euro history, according to ESPN, the only other one under 50 per cent was the 2017 semi-final between Denmark and Austria (43 per cent). However, former Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, who suffered a similar 3-2 shootout defeat in the 2021 Olympic final against Canada, told Reuters on Friday that Falk and England keeper Hannah Hampton deserved praise in the shootout. "We have to give credit to the goalkeepers who really owned that moment last night ... with each save that Falk made, she grew in the eyes of the penalty-takers, and so too did Hampton," she said after Falk made four stops to Hampton's two. "Take Magda Eriksson's penalty - it's not a bad penalty just because she hit the woodwork. That happened because she wanted so much of a margin against Hampton in goal that she aimed to put it closer to the post than she would normally have done. That's good goalkeeping," Lindahl explained. The shootout drew scathing criticism from fans on social media, with many using it as an argument against the women's game. Studies have shown, however, that the conversion rates in penalty shootouts are similar between women and men, with both achieving success rates around 75 to 80 per cent. Lucy Bronze converted her first ever penalty for England - and her team's decisive shot - despite being hampered by hamstring tightness, with a rocket that measured 102.51 kph, the third fastest goal of the tournament so far.
The Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Gutsy Sardinia Bay rescuer recommended for bravery award
Former lifeguard and Springbok triathlete Mandy Ocean has been recommended for a bravery award in a submission to Lifesaving SA for her daring rescue at Sardinia Bay on Tuesday. Ocean saved the lives of two visitors from George after they were caught in a rip current and about to drown, assisting them onto a rocky outcrop and staying with them long enough for the National Sea Rescue Institute to arrive. In her submission, open water rescue swimmer Billie McNaughton, who was on the scene late on Tuesday afternoon, said the big swell, incoming tide and severe backwash had made the conditions highly dangerous. 'In nothing but her underwear, no support gear and not sure if help was actually on its way, she jumped into the ocean without a moment's hesitation, knowing full well how strong the rips are at that spot.' McNaughton said the condition of the one person rescued, a man in his twenties, attested to how narrowly they had escaped death. 'When he came out, his torso was lacerated, his body soaked in blood. 'His face was grey and expressionless — the look of someone who had stared death in the face. 'The damage to his feet was horrific, clear evidence of the desperation with which he must have clung to the sharp rocks on the outcrop. 'Mandy was standing at the water's edge, soaked and trembling, but cheering, because against all odds, the uncle was alive. 'Everybody cheered, clapped hands and ran to hug the uncle and rescuers as they came out of the water. It was truly a miracle. 'Mandy herself had a gash across her face, and her sarong was stained pink with blood from the wounds on her lower back and thighs. 'We wrapped her in warm jackets and took her up to the car park, where medics cleaned her injuries and bandaged the most serious. 'There's no question that the uncle and his 15-year-old nephew [initially thought to be a father and son] would have drowned, if Mandy hadn't been there. 'Strong, ocean-efficient, with the heart of a sea lioness, she was their only chance, and she gave it her all.' The Herald
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Sex abuse survivors 'waiving right to anonymity to help others'
When sexual abuse survivor Simon Byrne decided to publicly share his story, he hoped to help those still suffering in 55-year-old was abused between the ages of 11 and 15 by his boxing coach Patrick Lowe in Greater Mr Byrne spoke to BBC North West Tonight, several viewers and others who read his story on the BBC News website praised his bravery and of the emails sent to the BBC came from Adam Rainford, from Stockport, said he had endured similar experiences and wanted to meet Mr has also waived his legal right to anonymity. 'Nobody says anything' And so, in Manchester's Chorlton Park, two strangers who understand each other in a way most of us never will, met for the first time."There's still stupid numbers of people abusing and getting away with it because nobody says anything," said Mr Rainford. "They don't think they're going to be believed, that they're ashamed. "I certainly was."It's like they keep quiet, it burns away from the inside."Support and information for anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can be found on the BBC Action Line websiteMr Rainford was groomed and sexually abused for about three years from the age of 10 by his table tennis coach David said he finally felt compelled to report the abuse to police in 2017 after seeing sex abuse cases on the July 2019 at Chester Crown Court, Mellor was jailed for five years. Mellor, from Little Sutton in Cheshire, admitted three charges of indecent assaulting a now 90-year-old was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order. "I know exactly what Adam's been through and he knows exactly what I've been through," said Mr said he wanted "more people like us to] get out there and say to people 'It's not stigma, don't be ashamed, come forward, tell your story and get support'."Mr Byrne reported his abuser to police in November 2024, however, he was deemed mentally unfit to stand May, a fact-finding hearing found Lowe had committed the offences and he was put on the sex offenders' register. According to the charity We Are Survivors, the average time between abuse and disclosure is 22 years and fewer than one-in-five male victims ever report what happened to Rainford recalled how he felt an overwhelming sense of relief when a police officer told him "it wasn't his fault". He added: "A lot of people blame themselves [and wrongly think] I made this happen and it's just not true."I'd be keen to show as many people as we can that there is some positives that can come out of this."Other people who are struggling in silence, they don't need to – there's support out there, they can get help."You can watch more about their meeting on the BBC iPlayer until 17 July 2025. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
News.com.au
15-07-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Posthumous Victoria Cross presented to family of Vietnam War hero Richard Norden
The family of the late Private Richard Norden has been formally presented with the Victoria Cross for Australia, the nation's highest military honour, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. At a special investiture ceremony held in Rockhampton on Tuesday, Private Norden's widow, Robynn Freeman, received the award on behalf of her late husband, nearly 60 years after his heroic actions. The recognition comes for his bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral on May 14, 1968. Private Norden's eldest son, Shane Norden Freeman, said his dad's army mates hate fought for him to be given the rare honour. 'It's been a long journey and there's been a lot of fighting going on in the background to get this for Dad,' Mr Freeman told the ABC. 'It didn't seem like this day would come. 'It's been 10 years of his army mates and police mates fighting for this – they've never given up.' Private Norden's platoon came under intense enemy fire during the battle. In the chaos, he showed 'remarkable courage and selflessness', rescuing a wounded soldier and recovering the body of another, despite facing heavy fire and having little cover. His actions helped secure the enemy position and likely saved the lives of many other soldiers. He was only 19 at the time. 'Private Richard Norden's bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship,' Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said. 'Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers.' Private Norden died in 1972 while serving with the ACT Police. 'Private Richard Norden's bravery during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral exemplifies the values we hold as Australians – those of tremendous courage and mateship,' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said. 'Under fire from the enemy, Private Norden did not hesitate as he moved forward to help his fellow wounded soldiers. 'I am honoured to have attended today's investiture ceremony to see Private Norden recognised with Australia's highest military honour.' Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh said he was pleased his family was finally receiving the honour. 'I'm so pleased that today, almost six decades after his heroic act, his family are finally receiving this important acknowledgment of his selfless service,' he said. 'Private Norden personified the Anzac spirit – disregarding his own safety to put his mates first.' Private Norden is the 102nd Victoria Cross recipient in Australia's history, and just the fifth Vietnam War veteran to receive the honour.
