John Rastrick
Shortly after John Rastrick received our Local Hero award in 2020 for rescuing a woman (Pari Mistry) from a burning car on the motorway, ITV contacted him to participate in the Pride of Britain Awards. However, three years passed, and he began to think they had forgotten about him. It wasn't until they called him back to announce that he was the recipient of a 'Pride of Britain Award 2023.'
Little did John know that his selfless heroism would lead to a wonderful friendship, a new life, and national recognition. Over the past three years, John and Pari have formed an unbreakable bond and this September John got to meet Pari’s first child, Axar. An incredibly special moment indeed.
“Pari came to visit me in September with her baby and it was special. She took us out for a meal, and we had a wonderful time,” smiles John.
John and his wife Janet were invited to London, where he was treated like the hero he is. They were accommodated in a luxurious London hotel and had their every whim catered for. They met up with fellow award winners; Rob Burrows (Rugby legend), Freya Harris (Child of courage), Dame Averil Mansfield (Pioneering surgeon) and many of the Windrush Generation (Outstanding contribution).
Ben Shepperd kicked off the event going over the order of the evening before introducing the hosts Ashley Banjo and everyone’s favourite mathematician, Carol Vorderman.
“We were seated right at the front, and I was told I was on second, which was great because it was a free bar,” jokes John.
John's clip of him rescuing Pari from a burning vehicle and the profound impact it had on her and her family's life didn't leave a dry eye in the house. I revisited it on ITV X (ITV’s streaming service), and I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears
John is using his new platform to inspire future generations.
“I recently visited Holme Hall Primary to talk to a class of pupils about my experience, and I absolutely loved it. They have invited me back to do an assembly which I’m looking forward too,” smiles John.
To watch John’s act on the Pride of Britain Awards please head over to ITV X.
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