Shropshire Star

Star comment: Badge of honour for 'my hero'

The actions of individuals make a difference. That is why the decisions individuals take and the responsibilities they take on themselves to act when they see something untoward really do matter.

Published

Charles Bonser, of Ironbridge, was in his car, that cocoon and other world, when he saw something worrying. While others might have driven by and "not wanted to get involved", he took the view that what he saw that concerned him, did concern him.

It was a loose pitbull mastiff circling a mother and her three-year-old daughter as they walked down the road.

Sensing the danger Mr Bonser stopped, and prevented the dog as it lunged for the little girl. His immediate reward was to be attacked by the dog. He was left with hand injuries when it went to bite his face.

The consequences of his actions come on various levels. At the most important level, this mother and child were saved from an attack which could have had horrendous results. Even if they had been spared injury, which seems unlikely, they would have undergone a terrifying experience which would have left them traumatised.

For Mr Bonser himself, he lost the use of his hands for a time and still has problems.

The dog owner was traced and cautioned and the dog was put down.

It sometimes seems that those who get honours and awards and pats on the back are largely the wealthy and the celebrities of our society, who have gained their place in the spotlight through entertaining us. Our society rewards its jesters.

It is pleasing then to see that an ordinary person who has performed a quiet and selfless act of heroism has been recognised, for Mr Bonser has been awarded the Gold Medal for bravery as well as the Binney Award. This is not given out lightly, and there are only 70 people in Britain to have the medal.

It is pleasing too to know that when critical situations arise, there are still ordinary people in our modern society who will do extraordinary things.

The official recognition given to Mr Bonser is a badge of honour for all time which is much appreciated by him.

But when these things happen nobody is thinking about the prospect of medals. When Mr Bonser got home after the attack there was a thank-you note pushed through his door. On it, in baby writing, was: "My hero."

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