‘Surreal’ visit to Downing Street for bravery award nominees

11 July 2024

This year’s West Mercia Police Bravery Award nominees have told how ‘surreal’ it was visiting 10 Downing Street this morning (Thursday 11 July).

Sergeant Lee Baker and PC Thomas Simmonds were among those invited to an exclusive reception held by new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and policing minister Dame Diana Johnson DBE.

It was the first official event hosted by the members of the new Government since the General Election a week ago.

West Mercia bravery award nominees PC Thomas Simmonds (left) and Sgt Lee Baker.

The invitation came after Lee and Thomas were nominated for a national Police Bravery Award, having saved a woman from a submerged car in April last year. 

Their colleague Sergeant Shannon Murphy was also nominated, however, she was sadly unable to attend the celebrations due to prior commitments. 

Officers honoured

“It was so surreal being inside 10 Downing Street,” said Lee, who was joined by his wife, Sophie.

He added: “It was an absolutely brilliant experience. The whole place is full of so much history, I was just trying to soak in as much as possible.”

Thomas, who was joined by his wife, Bonnie, said: “It really was an honour to be there.”

Later today, they - along with dozens of other nominees from across the country - will be attending the bravery awards ceremony in London.

The pair will be joined by the secretary of West Mercia Police Federation, Pete Nightingale, and Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray. 

Read more about the nomination.