A young mum whose quick thinking and first-aid skills saved a man’s life, and an activist
dedicated to improving his community, have been honoured for their actions.
Megan James and David Kinch accepted the Chairman’s Medal, the highest accolade that
Durham County Council can award to individuals and organisations for outstanding
voluntary contribution to County Durham.
Twenty-one-year-old Megan, from Seaham, received her award in recognition of her rapid
response and brave actions which saved a man’s life.
Heroic Megan was walking home with her son after shopping in Seaham in July 2020
when she heard cries for help. She used first-aid skills she’d learnt on a council-run course
for young parents, to perform life-saving CPR on a man who had collapsed.
A passer-by looked after her little boy, Elijah, whilst she gave vital medical help to the man,
following the instructions of an ambulance service operator over the phone, whilst waiting
for paramedics to arrive.
Megan who had attended the first aid training course in case she needed to help her son
in an emergency, said: “I’m very proud to be awarded the Chairman’s Medal. It was lucky
that I was in the right place at the right time and I’m so pleased that I was able to help. I
never expected anything like that to happen, but I hope my story inspires more people to
learn CPR and how to do first aid.”
Former policeman David Kinch was also recognised with a Chairman’s Medal, for
outstanding service to his community, and in particular his involvement in his local area
action partnership.
David has been instrumental in supporting the Teesdale Action Partnership, where he has
served as a board member since 2009, working tirelessly to help identify and rectify issues
which affect the neighbourhood.
He also represents Teesdale in the wider County Durham Partnership and, serves as a
member of Marwood and Whorlton parish councils and the Traveller’s Forum. He
previously served on Barnard Castle Town Council, helping the community deal with a
wide range of issues, from planning applications and crime prevention to highways and
health.
His work has proved valuable in protecting the interests and wellbeing of the area and
representing the community’s views on various plans and proposals, including the County
Durham Plan.
David said: “In my time on Teesdale Area Action Partnership all meetings, including board
meetings, were ‘team’ meetings and decisions were made as a team - I look at this award
as an award for all members of the task and finish groups and the board, including all the
officers.”
Council Chairman Cllr Watts Stelling, who awarded the pair with their medals, said: “It is
an honour to be able to present Megan and David with these awards in recognition of their
achievement and fantastic contribution to County Durham.
“Megan’s swift and brave actions saved a man’s life. To remain calm and in control in an
emergency, and to administer the essential medical attention he needed, shows great
strength and courage, as well as highlighting the importance of learning vital first-aid skills.
She’s incredibly humble but Megan’s amazing actions fully merit this award.”
“David’s sterling efforts and tenacity in championing the interests of Teesdale residents
also deserve recognition. The success of our area action partnerships is reliant on them
resonating with local people and attracting passionate individuals such as David, whose
hard work and enthusiasm have vastly enhanced his community.”
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