South Wales Police Federation members who risked their lives forming a human chain to try to save a woman from falling down a cliff are to be recognised for their extraordinary bravery by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

South Wales inspector Paul Ramsay, along with colleagues detective inspector Paul Graham, police constable Owen Bedford and an officer who wishes to remain anonymous received a Bravery Award for the courage they showed as they tried to rescue the woman from a crumbling cliff edge.

In honour of the officers and their fellow Welsh Police Bravery Award nominees, Mr Drakeford will be holding a special reception tomorrow (Wednesday 20 September). 

Mr Drakeford, Welsh deputy minister for social partnership Hannah Blythyn, and minister for social justice Jane Hutt will meet the officers at the event in Cardiff.

Nominations

Calum Macleod, secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), National Board member for the Welsh region Zac Mader and Leigh Godfrey, Post Incident Lead and Region 7 (Wales) Representative for PFEW, will also be attending the reception, which is being held at T? Hywel, a building in the city used by the Senedd.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It is an honour to meet the brave men and women who have gone beyond the call of duty in a bid to protect members of the public from harm. They acted selflessly and we are proud of their actions. I’m looking forward to congratulating them on their awards and nominations, which are highly deserved.”

Regional Bravery Award Winner Inspector Paul Ramsay said he is really looking forward to meeting the First Minister.

“It will be good to talk to him about our experience in relation to the award and also a fantastic opportunity to discuss policing in South Wales in general,” he added.

South Wales inspector Paul Ramsay, along with colleagues, police constable
Owen Bedford and detective inspector Paul Graham.

“Again, it is another nice and unique experience that has come out of such tragic circumstances.”

The events unfolded in the early hours of 12 April 2021. The woman was hanging far over the edge of the cliff, and it became quickly apparent to the officers that she was at immediate risk of falling.

Putting their own safety at risk, the quick-thinking cops formed a human chain, which meant Paul Graham dangling over the cliffside to reach her. 

They got within touching distance of the woman and Paul managed to momentarily grab her hands but she slipped and fell and unfortunately did not survive her injuries.

The four officers were presented with their award by the First Minister at a ceremony in London, back in July.

“I’ll be thanking the First Minister for making the long journey to London in order to present our award to us,” added Paul.

Reception

Joining the South Wales officers at the reception will be nominations from Gwent Force, police sergeants Isabelle Coulson and Ross Phillips.

Prior to the reception, Bryn Hughes MBE will meet the First Minister as he continues his campaign for an Elizabeth Medal to be given posthumously to emergency service workers killed on duty.

“This is a really positive step forward for us. I’m extremely grateful for members of the Welsh government taking the time to meet me with me. I’m hopeful that they will back the campaign and support our fight for a medal to be given to emergency service workers who make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Bryn.

Bryn launched the campaign alongside Paul Bone after their daughters, Great Manchester Police officers Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone were killed on duty after they attended a call-out to a hoax burglary.

Monday (18 September) marked 11 years since the pair of officers were killed.

READ MORE: Chief Constable excited for NPMD coming to Wales.