National Police Bravery Awards: Reservoir rescuer wished luck by Fed chair

7 July 2025

Branch chair Lisa Flanagan has wished Derbyshire Police’s nominee good luck ahead of this week's annual national Police Bravery Awards.

The Bravery Awards will take place on Thursday (10 July) in London, bringing together inspirational officers from across England and Wales, as exceptional policing courage is celebrated.

And Derbyshire's PC Matt Thomas is in the running for recognition after he saved a vulnerable elderly lady from drowning in freezing-cold conditions last December.

PC Matt Thomas.

The woman had informed the Force she was going to enter Ladybower Reservoir, in the Upper Derwent Valley, with the intention of ending her own life.

As one of the first officers on the scene, Matt worked tirelessly to locate the victim, finally finding her once he had narrowed down the search area based on the car's location, which was parked on an embankment.

From here, he waded through the water and reached the woman, who was not fully conscious and in both physical and emotional pain.

She was then laid onto stable ground, where she became gradually more responsive before being further stabilised by paramedics, going on to make a full physical recovery and given support for her mental health.

You can read more on Matt’s heroics in circumstances he described as ‘life or death’ here.

Ceremony

Lisa said: “On behalf of the Federation, I would like to congratulate Matt on his nomination and wish him all the best for the awards ceremony itself.

“His actions on that winter morning were truly outstanding – the situation was desperate and time critical, and it was his determination that gave the victim a fighting chance.

“Even after he had rescued her, he continued to do all he could without much of a thought for his own safety, having entered dangerously cold water. I think it’s that level of care and commitment which should always be acknowledged in the police.

“I hope he has a wonderful time at the Bravery Awards and goes there knowing we couldn’t be any prouder of him.”

Matt is set to make the trip down to London with his partner, Jessica.