Two Gloucestershire women honoured at Police Public Bravery Awards due to life-saving actions

Two women from Gloucestershire who raced to help their neighbour who had been stabbed have been honoured at the annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

Elizabeth Powell was one of the gold medal winners recognised at the prestigious National Police Chiefs' Council's awards, which took place at the Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield last night (23 October).

Marion Balaam was a silver medal winner due to the vital first aid she provided to the victim.

On 28 May 2023 in the early hours of the morning, a woman broke into the home of sleeping Gloucestershire Police officer PC Hannah Conroy in the Forest of Dean.

She stabbed her with a knife, causing significant injuries. Hannah shouted for help and thankfully Elizabeth, 54, heard her pleas.

Elizabeth banged on Hannah's front door and somehow Hannah was able to disarm her attacker and open it.

Without hesitation Elizabeth grabbed the attacker and pulled her to the ground.

She displayed incredible bravery, focusing on keeping the attacker calm and away from Hannah while on the phone to police.

Another nearby neighbour, Marion, had also been woken by the commotion and she bravely entered Hannah's home without knowing what had happened or the potential dangers.

She provided first aid, applying pressure to multiple stab wounds, and remained calm despite the horrific knife injuries she was tending.

When police attended they took over the life-saving first aid.

Hannah has said she will forever be in the debt of Elizabeth, Marion and the officers who saved her life.

She added: "Despite the horrific situation in May 2023, I have the honour and privilege to know two such wonderful women, who have become lifelong friends.

"If it wasn't for their quick-thinking and taking action, to put it simply I would not be here now.

"I will forever be in awe of their strength and bravery and for this to be honoured and recognised at the national Police Public Bravery Awards was incredible.

"It was an incredibly moving evening and I am beyond proud of Liz and Maz for their awards they so rightfully won."

The offender was charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife.

After a trial, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and given an indefinite hospital order.

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: "Without hesitation nor any concern for their own safety, both Elizabeth and Marion courageously ran into a dangerous situation in order to help save their neighbour Hannah.

"Their incredible strength, bravery and life-saving instinct deserves to be commended, and I personally thank them for everything they did that early morning which ultimately saved Hannah's life.

"This case shows the strength of community spirit with neighbours helping during the ultimate time of need.

"As well as the heroic actions of Elizabeth and Marion, I would like to thank the officers who also attended and provided first aid and support to Hannah. They would have known they were heading to an incident in which a colleague had been attacked in her own home, and I commend them for their calm and professional response when faced with such a troubling situation."

The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: "Elizabeth and Marion's actions that night were nothing short of heroic. They stepped into a terrifying situation without hesitation, showing immense courage and care for their neighbour.

"Their bravery, alongside the swift and professional response of the police officers, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people who support policing in Gloucestershire.

"I am incredibly proud to see their selflessness recognised through these awards, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in saving Hannah's life.

"Our communities are a better place with people like Elizabeth and Marion in them." 

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary, said: "Many people would hesitate to intervene in a violent knife attack in the middle of the night.

"Elizabeth did not, and her bravery saved her neighbour's life. Her actions that day exemplify why we host these awards every year.

"Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness.

"They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.

"This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards."

Winners on the night also included people who jumped into rivers to rescue strangers, fought off armed robbers and provided life-saving first aid.

Pictured below left to right: Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Elizabeth Powell, Gloucestershire Police PC Hannah Conroy, Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.

Pictured below left to right: Gloucestershire Police Sgt Emily Knightsmith, Marion Balaam, Gloucestershire Police PC Hannah Conroy and Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Chief Constable Gavin Stephens.

Pictured below left to right: Marion Balaam, PC Hannah Conroy and Elizabeth Powell