Jake Gilbertson

Jake Gilbertson, then aged 16 years, who lives with his parents in the village of Liss in Hampshire, risked his life while rescuing a young girl from a railway track.

During the evening of 25th October 2010, the 15 year old girl who was trying to come to terms with a family tragedy and in a hysterical state ran onto railway tracks seemingly intent on suicide. She told some companions 'I have had enough'. Without any thought for his own safety Jake, who was a friend of the young girl, went onto the tracks whilst the level crossing barriers were coming down and a train was approaching. Fearful that the girl would be hit and possibly killed by the approaching train, he risked his life to save her. Once Jake reached the tracks she began to struggle with him and was screaming that she wanted to end it all. With commendable calmness and displaying almost incredible bravery for a 16 year old, Jake fought to remove her from the tracks and lead her to safety.

Hampshire Police stated that 'fortunately, the approaching train stopped before running them both over'. The Chief Constable recorded that 'a faster train would almost certainly have resulted in a double fatality.'

Jake Gilbertson placed his own life at risk for another. He showed amazing courage and coolness in exceptional circumstances. He saved a young girl's life. His actions were exemplary. He thoroughly deserves this award for bravery.

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