Bravery award for blaze hero

Published: July 14, 2006 | 4479th good news item since 2003

A TERMINALLY-ILL Lynn man who risked his life to save a woman from a blazing flat has been chosen for a top bravery award.
Leukaemia sufferer Paul Morrison (46), of Hillington Square, ran into a burning building engulfed with flames and thick smoke and rescued Charlotte Cooper (41) from inside.
His heroic actions have now been awarded with the Royal Humane Society testimonial, and the Royal approval of society president Princess Alex-andra.
And his nephew, 14-year-old Kyle Morrison, will receive a certificate of commendation after he spotted the fire and raised the alarm.
The awards follow a horrific incident on the evening of August 6 last year, when a fire broke out at a flat in Greenland House in Hillington Square.
Kyle was watching the sunset from the roof of his uncle’s flat in Colby House when he noticed smoke billowing from a window opposite, and shouted to his uncle.
Mr Morrison – who has been given just seven to ten years to live – didn’t think twice about risking his own life. He rushed to the building, kicked the front door down and ran up the stairs, choking back the smoke.
“There was an air pocket of about 14 inches on the floor so I crawled on my belly to check the rooms. I just kept shouting: ‘Is there anyone there?
“I couldn’t see anything because of the smoke and I just keep feeling around to see if I could find anyone. I was about to give in when I saw someone’s feet.”
Mr Morrison took a deep breath and ran through flames to grab Ms Cooper. He pulled her to safety before going back to check the second bedroom was empty.
“I was scared going back, but I thought there might be children inside. I just focused on what I had to do, and did my best. I would do it again.”
Mr Morrison emerged from the flat black with ash and was sick from smoke inhalation, and Ms Cooper was taken to Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
The award, made on the recommendation of Norfolk Police, was announced on Tuesday.
Revealing the commendation, Royal Humane Society secretary, Major General David Pennefather, said: “Mr Morrison richly deserves this award. Anyone who goes into a burning building puts their own life seriously at risk, but he didn’t hesitate.”
Mr Morrison, who has chronic lymphatic leukaemia, was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard about his award, saying: “I’m lost for words. I’m choked up. I can now say I’ve done something to be really proud of.”

Published in Heroes
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