Sir John Whittingdale MP was delighted that he was able to present the the Great Neighbour Award in the BBC Essex Make a Difference Awards 2022 to Steph Cox of Maldon.
In September 2021, Steph Cox, a riding instructor, rescued her elderly neighbour after she found him on the floor surrounded by flames in his garden. Brian Hawes, who is in his 80s, was using a heat gun to get rid of weeds at his home in Maldon when a piece of paper caught fire by accident.
Steph Cox spotted the smoke and investigated, finding Brian lying on the floor of his burning shed. She managed to drag him out although he suffered severe burns to his back. Brian said after: “I know that without Steph I would not be here.”
John said: “I am absolutely delighted that Steph has won the Great Neighbour Award which is thoroughly deserved. Without her quick thinking and courage, Brian would almost certainly have died. It was an honour to present her with the Award.”
“I congratulate all the other winners from the evening. Each person who was nominated has made a real difference to the local community and I am pleased that BBC Essex and the Make A Difference Awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate their contributions”.
