A youth worker who jumped onto train tracks to save the life of a woman was among the unsung heroes honoured at the Merton Civic Awards last night.

Osman Dean was waiting for a train home at Stockwell underground station when he saw a woman collapse head first onto the tracks.

Without a thought for his own safety he jumped onto the tracks as the train was approaching and pulled the woman to safety.

Mr Dean was honoured with the Act of Courage award and the Outstanding Achievement award, selected by the mayor of Merton, Councillor Krystal Miller.

Inspiring stories of people who have dedicated their lives to help others, achieved greatness in sport and got involved in their communities were told at the awards evening at Wimbledon Studios.

The event was hosted by Wimbledon Guardian assistant editor Nick Hitchens, with speakers including Merton's MPs Stephen Hammond and Siobhain McDonagh taking to the stage.

Volunteers Wendy Bliss and Chrissie Craig from the Merton Arts Trail won the Arts and Entertainment award, Rashpal and Anil Patel picked up the Business of the Year award and 78-year-old Barbara Williamson was given the Community award for her tireless work in starting and running a lunch for elderly people.

Nearly 50 years in scouting saw David Bixby pick up the Volunteer of the Year award and Wimbledon Scouts volunteer Luke Meah-Wilson, 17, won the Young Person’s Achievement award for his dedicated volunteer work.

Carer Patricia Brookman was moved to tears as she collected her award for her dedication to looking after her sister Sharon who has Common Variable Immune Deficiency which means she takes anti-bodies regularly.

Up until February Ms Brookman was looking after Sharon’s husband Robert who had cancer. He sadly passed away.

Young musician Fraser Churchill entertained invited guests with a variety of songs including one written with advice from Sir Paul McCartney.

A raffle in aid of the Home-Start Merton completed the night on Thursday, April 24.

THE WINNERS IN FULL

Act of Courage
Winner: Osman Dean
Highly Commended: Stephen Morris
Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express

Arts and Entertainment
Winner: Merton Arts Trail
Highly Commended: The YMCA Music Room
Sponsored by Wimbledon Studios

Business of the Year
Winner: Morden Londis
Highly Commended: The Ridgway Stables
Sponsored by Merton Means Business

Parent/Carer of the Year
Winner: Patricia Brookman
Highly Commended: Yasmin Bakh
Sponsored by Bluebird Care

Community
Winner: Barbara Williamson
Highly Commended: Joanna Bazley
Sponsored by McDonald’s

Sporting Achievement
Winner: Rachel Winter
Highly Commended: Robert Tuvey
Sponsored by Better, the feel good place

Teacher of the Year
Winner: Maeve Green
Highly Commended: Lydia Goodison
Sponsored by The Admiral Trust

Volunteer of the Year
Winner: David Bixby
Highly Commended: Tony Cullen
Sponsored by The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Young Person’s Achievement
Winner: Luke Meah-Wilson
Highly Commended: Emma Collins
Sponsored by the Wimbledon Guardian

Mayor of Merton Outstanding Achievement
Winner: Osman Dean
Sponsored by Merton Council


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