Have-a-go Hero Praised by Community Integrated Care

A Speke-based local hero has been praised by Community Integrated Care for his bravery after coming to the rescue of one of our Support Workers during an attempted pickpocketing in the car park of New Mersey Retail Park in Speke.

Andrew Harper, a Customer Service Advisor at B&Q, witnessed the incident between the culprit and John Duvall, a Support Worker for Pine Lodge who was supporting a gentleman with learning disabilities at the time. Without hesitation for his own safety, the quick-thinking employee gave chase after the wrongdoer when he ran away.

We were really impressed by Andrew’s bravery, and wanted to invite him to a special event at our Liverpool Office on Tuesday to personally say thank you.

Andrew was welcomed by Support Worker, John, and Maldwyn, the gentleman he was supporting on the day of the incident. Alongside our Regional Manager, Dan Bryan, and Regional Director, Samantha Brennan, they presented him with a gift as a token of their gratitude. The event was attended by staff and managers from the charity, who all paid tribute to Andrew’s selfless attitude.

Andrew Harper said: “I’m really touched that Community Integrated Care invited me to this event to say thank you. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time, but when I saw the guy trying to steal money and then run off, my only thought was to try and help. I’m just sorry I couldn’t catch the thief.”

Andrew continued: “I’ve had a really nice afternoon getting to know everyone from Community Integrated Care. I’m humbled to have had such a fuss made of me as I was only doing my job. Thank you for the tea, cakes and my gift voucher.”

John Duvall, Support Worker at Pine Lodge, said: “It was an honour to be able to personally thank Andrew for his bravery today. Luckily no one was harmed during the incident and we are so grateful for his support, putting his own safety before our own.”

Samantha Brennan, Regional Director North West for Community Integrated Care, said: “Our charity aims to go above and beyond to protect and care for the people we support. To have a member of the public step in and instinctively help us, with no thought for themselves, is truly exceptional. Andrew is an inspiration to others and a credit to B&Q.”