A member of the public whose quick thinking helped save a man’s life was among those recognised at the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) Sussex Awards 2026.
Brighton and Hove bus driver, Debra Russell, received the Honouring Public Service award at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne on Thursday, 22 October 2026, recognising her actions after stepping in to help when former Brighton and Hove City Council Leader and Mayor, Bill Randall, suffered a cardiac arrest.
In June this year, while on shift Debra spotted that members of the public had gathered to help Bill at a bus stop in Telscombe Cliffs. Debra quickly brought her vehicle to a safe stop and calmly took control of the scene.
Without hesitation and with the help of another motorist, she pulled Bill from the bushes where he had collapsed. Drawing on her experience as a former nurse, she quickly established he was in cardiac arrest and began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the arrival of ambulance crews.
The pair were reunited at the awards ceremony, where Bill joined Debra on stage as she was recognised for the actions that helped save his life.
Debra’s recognition reflects the importance of people being prepared to act in an emergency. Her willingness to step forward and provide lifesaving care before the arrival of ambulance crews helped save a life and highlights the difference that early intervention can make.
Nominator and SECAmb Head of Operations for Brighton, Hove and Mid Sussex, Josh Tonks attended the incident. “Debra did everything right in those critical early moments,” said Josh. “Through her calm approach and determination to act when every second counted, she made an extraordinary difference.”
The theme of making a difference to others continued throughout the evening.
Operational Team Leader, Steph Meech, was recognised for her commitment to supporting community first responders (CFRs), mentoring volunteers, helping them after difficult incidents and developing training that improves confidence and preparedness.
The frequent caller team received the Team of the Year award for their work supporting some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients. By helping people with complex needs access the right care and support, the team has improved patient experience while reducing pressure on frontline services.
Individual commendations were also presented to Rachel Murphy for strengthening financial governance and leadership across the Trust and to Steve Offer, SORT Education Facilitator, for championing fairness, supporting colleagues and helping students develop throughout their careers.
The evening also recognised exceptional dedication over many years of service with award presentations for the King’s Ambulance Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, long service awards as well as 10 years voluntary service.
Whether through lifesaving action in an emergency, years of dedicated service, support for colleagues or work behind the scenes, each recipient demonstrated the values that underpin SECAmb’s care for patients and communities every day.
Full list of award recipients at the Sussex awards ceremony:
The King’s Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct
Edward Cole
Natalie Cole
Sean Hardy
Caroline Horlick
Rory McCallum
Wendy Phillips
Rachel Pratt
Emma Sullivan
20 Years NHS Long Service Award
Russell Bliss
30 Years NHS Long Service Award
Andy Bishop
Matt England Steve McIntosh
Julie Ormrod
Carl Wickens
10 Years Voluntary Service Award
Kirk Lee
Jonathan Mulhern
Tim Watson
Keith Welch
Chief Executive Commendation’s
Upholding Integrity – Rachel Murphy
Upholding Integrity – Steve Offer
Recognising Voluntary or Community Service – Steph Meech
Honouring Public Service – Debra Russell
Team of the Year – Frequent Caller Team