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26th Jul 2023

Dublin teen becomes first Irish person to be awarded the Russell Medal after saving friend’s life

Sophie Collins

Russell Medal

A Dublin teen is being hailed as the first ever Irish person to receive the Russell Medal in recognition of his heroic actions in 2022.

Noah Winders, 16, came to the aid of one of his teammates during basketball practice and “worked confidently as part of a team that saved their life”.

In response to this incredibly heroic jump to action, Noah was presented with the honourable award today.

The Russell Medal is an annual award set up by the Royal Life Saving Society for the most outstanding resuscitation for those under the age of 21.

According to a statement released by the society: “Noah is receiving the award for his courage and presence of mind in 2022, when at the age of 15 he came to the assistance of one of his basketball teammates during practice, and worked confidently as part of a team that saved their life.”

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, presented the brave young man with the Russell Medal, at an event on Wednesday July 26th in front of Noah’s family and friends and the teammate whose life he helped save.

The Royal Life Saving Society works in Ireland and in over 40 countries worldwide to train lifeguards and teach water safety skills.

The Russell Medal was established in 2000 as a tribute to Pat Russell, a long-standing member of the Royal Life Saving Society.

The award honours individuals under the age of 21 who come to the help of others who need resuscitation. It’s been awarded in the UK, Australia, Canada and beyond, and today, for the first time, in Ireland.

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