Police officer recognised for life-saving act

A police officer has been recognised for their life-saving actions in performing CPR on a man.

Peter Prendiville was playing hockey at Droitwich Leisure Centre on 30 November 2024 when he suffered a cardiac arrest. PC Maria Francolini gave him CPR compressions at the scene.

Now the officer, along with other trained members of the public and staff at the centre, has been recognised with a Royal Humane Society resuscitation award for their life-saving act.

Mr Prendiville, who has been recovering, said: "My family and I are so grateful to all those people who saved my life without hesitation."

"I am recovering well and feel extremely lucky to be alive," he said.

Insp Pete Frankish praised PC Francolini's actions, saying: "Maria continued with CPR for 20 minutes while shocks were delivered from the defibrillator."

He added: "Peter regained consciousness and was treated by ambulance staff en route to Worcester Royal Hospital where he was rushed to theatre and treated."

Mr Prendiville and PC Francolini reunited at Christmas last year.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.