Altrincham schoolboy Joseph Haddad has won a police award for bravery and citizenship after he was nearly killed by an out-of-control car last month.
The drama happened as the 15-year-old GCSE student was in Cheadle Hulme on the morning of Thursday May 19th, waiting for a bus to take him to school at St Ambrose College in Hale Barns, when a car mounted the pavement and demolished the bus stop sign where he had been standing seconds earlier, flipping on to its roof.
He said: “I was shaken, yes, but I immediately went to see if the driver was alright. Luckily given the state of the bus stop and the car, there was only one person inside the car and though she was startled, she had only minor cuts and bruises. I helped her out of the up turned car and checked her over and called the ambulance service.
“It all happened in a blur really, and lots of people soon came rushing over to help, but before the police came my bus arrived and I went to school. I then was a little surprised during the morning that the police came down to take a witness statement.”
PC Simon Toft, who with Special Constable Andrew Rose was the first police officer on the scene, said: “When we got there I was amazed no one had been seriously hurt. The road sign had been demolished and there was a lot of damage. Those people on the spot praised Joseph for his quick thinking and told me what he had done and I have to say he did exactly the right thing and very quickly.
“When I went to interview him at St Ambrose, I was very impressed by his statement and have to say in 10 years of policing I have not come across a more impressive young man, which was why I recommended him for a commendation.”
Superintendent Jo Rogerson, of Greater Manchester Police, added: “Joseph’s response was amazing, despite danger to himself and the impact of the collision he reacted immediately to help the lady and I am delighted to be able to recognise his public spirited response with this commendation.”
Joseph, who wants to study biology, chemistry and physics at St Ambrose’s Sixth Form, said: “I am a bit young to really consider what might have happened but it was a near death experience, I was standing just where the car hit literally seconds before hand. All I would say is that everyone should cherish their lives and be thankful.
“I am honoured to receive this award and am thankful to the police but I am a surprised as I just did what was needed at the time and didn’t really think too much about it.”
James Keulemans, Principal of St Ambrose College, added: “I am very grateful for the police to give of their time and make a special effort to honour Joseph for his model citizenship. We know what a fine young man he is and expect him to continue to do well in the future and always be a public spirited individual.”
No one was injured in the accident and no further action has been taken.
Pictured top are (l to r): Special Constable Andrew Rose, PC Simon Toft, Superintendent Jo Rogerson, Joseph Haddad and St Ambrose Principal James Keulemans
