Séamus Kearns was part of a flood rescue team in Chertsey during the 2014 floods.
Photo: Surrey Search and Rescue
A Flood Responder from Surrey Search & Rescue has received the new Point of Light Award from Prime Minister David Cameron.
Announced on 7 April by the Prime Minister, the new award scheme aims to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in the UK, and was presented to Séamus Kearns (right) for his role in helping victims of the floods that struck the country earlier this year.
Séamus Kearns, 28, travelled to 10 Downing Street along with six colleagues for a reception hosted by Mr Cameron in recognition of the ‘Flood Hero’ award he received from ITV’s Daybreak programme.
Séamus spent seven days in February helping flood relief efforts in Staines and Chertsey, alongside fellow volunteers Surrey Search and Rescue. He said, “I don’t consider what I did to be heroic, but just part of the thousands of hours each year donated by Surrey SAR members.”
The Prime Minister announced the Point of Light awards, heralding ‘the extraordinary things done during the storms and floods in terms of community service’. And in a personal letter to Séamus, Mr Cameron continued, “I believe it is my duty as Prime Minister to hold up examples of great volunteering and service as an example for others. On behalf of the whole country, I hope this Point of Light Award can be a small way of saying thank you.”
Surrey Search and Rescue is a charity and all members give their time for free. It is a member of the UK’s voluntary Lowland Rescue network – with the same mandate as the RNLI and Mountain Rescue for life-saving support to the 999 services during emergencies.
