Children’s hospice charity staff who rushed to help the victims of a vicious stabbing in Hampton last year have been recognised for their bravery.
When Ethem Orhon stabbed four women in the car park of Sainsbury’s in Tangley Park Road on May 20, staff at Shooting Star Chase rushed to get victims to safety and to administer treatment.
The five hospice workers were given a Borough Commander’s Commendation by the Metropolitan Police last week (April 27) for their reaction to the attack.
Orhon, from Deacons Walk, Hampton, was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of wounding with intent.
One of the women, Suzanna Brand, then 53, has a learning disability and was stabbed 13 times by Orhon, suffering two punctured lungs.
Ethem Aydin Orhon, from Deacons Walk, Hampton, who stabbed four women
The group left the security of the hospice gates, where bereaved families were gathered for a memory day, to help victims and terrified witnesses.
Sandi Hillery (head of care at Hampton hospice Shooting Star House), Helen Sibley (director of care at Shooting Star Chase) and Elizabeth Ackie (care admin team leader at Shooting Star Chase) were commended for bravery and care of witnesses and victims.
Sarah Sogeler (hospice at home lead nurse at Shooting Star House) and Rachel O’Gara (hospice at home nurse at Shooting Star House) were commended for administering emergency treatment to then-71-year-old victim Rani Chandiramani before the ambulance arrived.
Mrs Chandiramani said: “At first I thought I’d been hit but I felt wetness on my back and the panic set in. I have never been so scared in my life. At that moment, some of the Shooting Star Chase staff arrived, took my hand and said, “Come with us, we’ll take care of you.” In the hospice they tended to my wounds and all I remember thinking was that I was going to die, and of course the nurses reassured me I was going to be OK.
“I can’t express how eternally grateful I am to them and everyone at Shooting Star House for rescuing me from a truly traumatic situation. Their kindness and bravery on that day means everything and I feel lucky to have had such amazing people nearby and willing to help.”
Ms Sibley said: “My team and I are absolutely honoured to receive the Borough Commander’s Commendation. We feel privileged to have attended such a special event, and be commended alongside the very brave policing services who tackle crime day-in, day-out.
“I’m extremely proud of my staff who acted swiftly to ensure Rani was safe and provided excellent nursing care in a very traumatic situation. This commendation is testament to the amazing staff we have here at Shooting Star Chase, and their willingness to go the extra mile in caring for those in need.”
Left to right: Helen Sibley, Sarah Sogeler, Nick Frost, Elizabeth Ackie, Rachel O'Gara and Sandi Hillery
The official commendation ceremony, which closed with a speech from Richmond resident and actor Nick Frost, took place at Imber Court Sports Club in East Moseley.
But the women were not the only heroes that day; two Hampton schoolboys were awarded £1,000 each by a judge in November for distracting Orhon and preventing him from attacking more people before police arrived.
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