SMI Debbie Callaghan, County Media Officer
On the evening of March 25, 2023, Cadet Hayden Jones, No 5 (Anzio) Company, was present with his mother, Ms Farrah Jones, at their residence when her former partner forcibly entered the premises and initiated a brutal assault against Ms Jones.
Cadet Jones bore witness to the entire traumatic event and displayed remarkable bravery, attempting to intervene despite his physical limitations, which prevented him from effectively halting the assault directed at his mother. The severity of the attacks intensified and spilled beyond the confines of their home, where Ms Jones endured a vicious assault. An unidentified member of the public then courageously intervened, prompting Ms Jones former partner to flee the scene.
In a quick-thinking response, Cadet Jones rushed to a nearby Domino's pizza outlet to obtain napkins, which he ingeniously used as an improvised field bandage to staunch his mother's bleeding. He then carefully placed her in the recovery position, awaiting the arrival of emergency services. Ms Jones had sustained grave, life-threatening injuries. Cadet Jones rapid application of first aid skills acquired through his ACF training unquestionably played a pivotal role in preserving his mother's life.
Physically, Ms Farrah Jones is progressing well, though she continues to face challenges related to mobility in her injured arm. Cadet Jones received support from Rev Dr Gerard Fieldhouse-Byrne, the Senior Chaplain for Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force.
Cadet Jones cooperated with the police by providing a detailed video statement regarding the incident. The police authorities made a conscious decision to withhold extensive public disclosure regarding the incident. In the aftermath, two police officers commended Cadet Jones for his thorough account of the events and his exemplary conduct throughout this traumatic episode.
On Saturday 23 September 2023 Cadet Jones mum attended Holcombe Moor Training Centre to watch her son, Cadet Jones, receive The Testimonial on Vellum from Hon Col Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant who presented the award on behalf of The Royal Humane Society.
The Testimonial on Vellum is awarded where someone has put themselves in considerable danger to save, or attempt to save, someone else.
The award has been signed by The Royal Humane Society’s president, HRH Princess Alexandra, the chairman and the secretary.
Permission to post above has been given by Cadet Hayden’s mum.
#GmanACFforceforgood #GoingFurther #InspireToAchieve #TestimonialVellum #RoyalHumaneSociety
