Hero lollipop man honoured for saving child’s life

He’s been helping youngsters and their families cross the road safely for nearly 18 years and now Aylsham lollipop man Richard Kerrison has been hailed as a local hero after saving a toddler’s life.

Richard sprung into action after a two year-old boy lost control of his balance bike and veered into the busy Norwich Road, close to the school crossing, before his parent could grab him.

BRAVE: Richard Kerrison is pictured at the Norwich Road crossing.

Without hesitation, the school crossing patrol officer leapt into the road and pulled the child to safety, allowing the driver of the 4×4 vehicle to perform an emergency stop.

Now Richard’s brave actions on that June day have been officially recognised with the presentation of a bravery award by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Speaking at the crossing where he has worked for so many years, Richard, 52, said: “I was standing here and turned round and there was the boy on his bike going straight out in front of a 4×4.

“It was just instinct and I didn’t even look at the vehicle – just the child. I saw the child and went. “Luckily enough the car was doing 20mph and the driver was on the ball. Thank God he was doing what he should have been doing. I was in shock and my old heart was going!”

Unbeknown to him, a member of the public who witnessed the drama posted about it on Facebook – which was spotted by Richard’s wife Suzanne.

Richard added: “It happened, I went home, put the kettle on and had a cup of tea to calm down. I never said anything to my wife or daughter, but my wife saw it mentioned on Facebook and bent my ear because I never said what happened!

“I thought that was going to be the end of it but then this award came up.”

Richard was presented with a Chief Fire Officer Commendation in a ceremony at Aylsham Fire Station on November 29.

PRESENTATION: Richard is show receiving his award from Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman.

A modest Richard added: “I know what I did but I don’t feel that it warranted anything else. I walk into Tesco and Budgens and people say ‘here’s the hero’. It’s nice but I don’t see that. What I did, I did.”

Richard received his award from Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman, who praised him for his actions as well as his diligence and commitment over his 18 years of service.

A citation read out at the presentation ceremony said: “A member of the public described it as Richard saving the little boy mere seconds before what could have been a fatal collision.

“Richard has not only been praised as being fearless and selfless in the moment, but also praised for his alertness to duty.”