A quick-thinking PC who saved the life of a vulnerable elderly woman found unresponsive in freezing cold reservoir has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

On 17 December 2024, PC Mathew Thomas along with PC Donna Twort from Derbyshire Constabulary attended an emergency call for service at the Ladybower Reservoir near the Yorkshire border. This was in response to a call made by a distressed female in her 70s.

The woman called the police and stated she intended to take her own life. She told call handlers her vehicle was at the location. The report came with little detail other than where the vehicle would be left and a first name.

While travelling to the area, PC Thomas remained calm and composed, passing updates and requesting further information. PC Thomas and PC Twort were also joined by two officers from the Dales section, PC Andrew Bucknall and PC Elizabeth Green.

PC Thomas quickly located the victim’s vehicle, enabling him and his colleague to narrow the search area for the likely route of entry into the water. The woman had gone down a steep embankment into the freezing water.

A short time later, PC Thomas and PC Twort spotted the woman, who appeared to be floating and not moving. At this point, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also arrived.

PC Thomas put himself at great personal risk, wading into extremely cold water on a winter’s morning, not knowing the depth or likely hidden dangers.

He took hold of the victim and brought her to the embankment for medical treatment, which was administered by the Fire Service crew in attendance.

Despite being wet through and freezing, PC Thomas remained with the other emergency services until an ambulance arrived to assist. Her body temperature dipped to life-threatening levels and needed immediate medical attention.

Officers present remained to assist, searching the woman and her vehicle for medication, and passing updates to the arriving paramedics before she was taken to the hospital. This ensured all relevant information was gathered to provide the fullest picture of her situation.

Representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary liaised with the hospital throughout, and she was treated in hospital where she made a full recovery, enabling her to receive the best support for her mental health moving forward.

All officers and partner agencies that attended the scene performed their duties in an exemplary fashion and deserve credit for their actions.

However, the swift and decisive actions of PC Mathew Thomas undoubtedly saved the life of the vulnerable elderly woman.

Derbyshire Constabulary Chief Constable Rachel Swann QPM said: “Mathew’s actions that day are a shining example of the bravery and commitment shown by officers up and down the county as they keep our communities safe.

“Knowing that there was a serious and immediate risk to the woman’s life Mathew, without hesitation, put himself in serious danger to help a perfect stranger – and there is no doubt his actions saved her life.

“I have spoken directly with Mathew to pass on my own personal thanks to him for his actions and I am immensely proud to support his nomination for this year’s Police Bravery Awards.”

A spokesperson from Derbyshire Police Federation said: “We would like to commend Mathew for his heroic actions in a critical incident.

“Mathew went above and beyond to rescue a vulnerable member of the public, and for that, he deserves tremendous credit.

“It's clear Mathew was determined to do everything in his power to preserve life. In a situation that ended up worsening by the second, the eventual outcome could have been very different.

“But his decisiveness ensured the member of the public made a full recovery from the damage caused to her body and has now earnt him a nomination for the national Police Bravery Awards – he should be very proud.

“Everyone at the Federation wishes him the best of luck at this year's event."