A YATE teenager who saved his dad’s life has been presented with a bravery award by Princess Anne.

Fifteen-year-old Lewis Clarke was honoured at the St George’s Day Service in Gloucester Cathedral on Monday, April 23, with the Nairac Youth Award.
The accolade is given annually by The Royal Society of St George (RSSG) in recognition of the region’s young ‘unsung heroes’.

The society’s members chose Lewis as this year’s recipient, after hearing how he helped his dad Geoff.

In October last year, Lewis found his dad lying on the floor of his home following a massive stroke.

The Chipping Sodbury School pupil was unable to move him, but called 999 and tried to keep his dad conscious by tapping and talking to him until the ambulance arrived.

His father, Geoff has since had three brain operations, but is now recovering well.

And, thanks to Lewis’ prompt reactions, Geoff was able to be at the cathedral to see his son receive the award.

Lewis said: “I felt very privileged to be presented with such an award by Princess Anne.

“I was very nervous to hear she was the one presenting me with the award, as no-one knew she was coming until the last minute.

“My dad being there made it so much better, because it made me feel more confident in what I’d achieved, as he was now able to make his way to watch me.”

Lewis was presented with a framed certificate, a silver salver to keep for a year and a cheque for £200 for the charity of his choice, which he named as the Stroke Association.

Gloucestershire RSSG branch chair, Pat Ayres, MBE said: “The branch enjoys recognising exceptional Gloucestershire youngsters through the Nairac Awards presented every year at our St George’s Day Service.

“We were privileged that Her Royal Highness attended our 40th Anniversary Service and honoured that she presented all the awards that evening.”

The address was given by the Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Stephen Lake.

Alongside RSSG members, the congregation included the current High Sheriff, Charles Martell and his wife; the National Chairman of The Royal Society of St George, Joanna Cadman; the Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester, other dignitaries and representatives from all walks of life in Gloucestershire and beyond.