Heroic grandfather who died saving two girls in sea gets Gallantry Medal

Selfless Richard Guest, from Walsall, who rushed into the water to help the youngsters who had got into trouble, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

The 74-year-old was walking his dog with his wife on the beach at Tywyn, North Wales, when he heard the teenagers screaming for help.

With another passer-by, Stephen Adams, he managed to save one of the girls – but got into difficulty himself when he returned to the water in search of the second, who, unbeknown to him, had managed to reach the shore.

Former bank manager Mr Guest, who was known as Dick, was about 40 yards out from the shore and was seen holding one of the girls up out of the water in his arms by the time Aberdovey coastguard arrived and managed to save her, his family later revealed.

But after his life-saving efforts he was unable to get himself back to dry land. Mr Adams discovered him face down in the water.

He was recovered unconscious from the sea by RNLI crews and airlifted to hospital in Aberystwyth where he was later pronounced dead.

Gallantry Medal

The grandfather of four’s actions were hailed following his tragic death in July 2015 and he has now been handed the prestigious Queen’s Gallantry Medal, along with Mr Adams, from Oswestry.

The committee in charge of deciding the awards commended both men’s efforts.

They said: “Both men demonstrated unselfish courage.

“Neither man knew the two girls yet were willing to risk their own lives to ensure the safety of two strangers.”

The family of Mr Guest issued a statement saying: “The Guest family are honoured to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal in Richard’s name.

“This is to recognise his and Stephen Adams’ bravery in rescuing two teenage girls from drowning.”

Mr Adams paid tribute to Mr Guest on receiving the award. He said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

“I would like to take this moment as an opportunity to remember that Mr Guest lost his life trying to help others and to reflect on how merciless the sea can be.”

'Loved by so many'

Mr Guest had been enjoying a weekend break away with his 71-year-old wife when tragedy struck.

His daughter, Ceri Donovan, said at the time: “He was an active man who loved the outdoors, and was at happiest in Tywyn with his family.

“We cannot imagine life without him. He was loved by so many people.”

“He was a strong swimmer and was used to swimming on that particular part of the beach.

“It was just like him to do something so selfless and brave.

“At the end of the day, he was a family man. He was a great father and a much-loved grandfather. We will miss him terribly.”

Son Gareth Guest remarked that his father was ‘that sort of person’.

Dozens of messages were posted on social media following Mr Guest’s tragic death commending him for his courageous life-saving efforts.

The Queen’s Gallantry Medal is one of the country’s highest honours and is awarded for ‘exemplary acts of bravery’.

Terror attack heroes recognised

Heroes of the London Bridge terror attack, including two who died trying to save others, were also recognised by the Queen for their bravery.

Victims Ignacio Echeverria and Kirsty Boden, killed during the atrocity in London last summer, feature on this year’s Civilian Gallantry list.

Two police officers who confronted the attackers as they carried out their murderous rampage in the centre of the capital on a busy Saturday night were awarded the George Medal, for gallantry of an extremely high order.

British Transport Police officer Wayne Marques, left badly injured after fighting off all three terrorists armed with only his baton, said the recognition is “a silver lining to what was a tragic event”.

The 39-year-old, who is originally from Birmingham and hopes to return to work soon, added: “(It’s) a silver lining I hope that not just me but my colleagues and my family and the people who have supported this can take some form of comfort and pride from.”

Metropolitan Police officer Charles Guenigault, who was off-duty at the time, rushed to the aid of Pc Marques before he was also stabbed.

Leon McLeod, who had been on routine patrol with Pc Marques, chased the terror trio and helped give first aid to some of the victims.

Two members of the public who in turn helped the Met officer, staying by his side from the scene right through to the hospital, received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

Ellen Gauntlett and Justin Jones may have saved Pc Guenigault’s life, the awarding committee said.