Rochdale mental health worker hailed as hero after saving person from canal

‘I did what I hope anyone would do’

A Rochdale mental health worker has been hailed as a hero for his brave actions after he saved a person from a canal.

Marcus Urey has been granted ‘heroic recognition’ by Rochdale Borough Council for his ‘incredible bravery and compassion’, saving the person and later ‘making sure they received support’.

The Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust shared on Facebook that Mr Urey works at Stansfield Place, a rehabilitation centre for men with serious mental illnesses.

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The trust said he ‘acted quickly to save someone from the canal’ while not on shift’, showing ‘incredible bravery’ to assist the person.

He was handed the certificate by mayor Faisal Rana and mayoress Iram Faisal at a ceremony at the town hall.

The trust wrote: “Care and compassion don’t stop at the end of a shift.

“We’re incredibly proud of Marcus Urey, technical instructor at Stansfield Place, whose bravery has been recognised by The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale.“Marcus acted quickly to save someone from the canal, making sure they also received the support they needed.“He showed incredible bravery and compassion in a difficult situation, acting without hesitation to help someone in need.“It’s fantastic to see Marcus recognised for his actions. He is a real credit to Stansfield Place and Pennine Care.“Marcus said: “Thankfully I was in the right place at the right time and did what I hope anyone would do to help someone in need.“I’m grateful the person was able to get help, and I’m humbled by the kind words from my colleagues.”