Suffolk: Hero trucker put forward for gong
A brave trucker hailed for saving the life of a miraculous tot has been put forward for a prestigious gong.
Graham Kew, who rescued an 18-month-old toddler from the aftermath of a 70mph horror smash on the A14, has been nominated for this year’s Stars of Suffolk awards.
The Evening Star, impressed by the 52-year-old’s bravery, put him forward for recognition in the ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ category.
The lorry driver was heading towards Felixstowe on May 14 this year when he saw a horror crash unfold just yards ahead of him near Trimley.
Father-of-three Akmal Ullah Kabiri lost control of a BMW, which swerved across the carriageway before flipping over and landing on its roof.
Both Mr Kabiri and his 18-month-old daughter Alisha - neither of whom were wearing a seatbelt - were thrown from the car. Mr Kabiri, who owned the Maharaja takeaway in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Kew, approaching the accident scene just seconds later, saw a pink item in the road that he thought was rubbish and was going to drive over. But at the last second he realised it was Alisha, sitting up in the road with her legs out in front of her.
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He slammed on his brakes and rushed to the tot’s aid, before leading to safety.
“I don’t consider myself a hero,” said Mr Kew, speaking yesterday. “I’m just so grateful that it was me and I was able to stop, I really am.
“As for being nominated for the award that’s just amazing, I’d just like to thank everyone at the newspaper for that.”
Launched by The Evening Star last month, this year’s Stars of Suffolk awards have been organised in conjunction with Suffolk County Council.
Courageous youngsters battling illness, dedicated carers and volunteers working tirelessly to help others have all been nominated.
Judging will be carried out by an independent panel and the winners revealed at a gala evening on Friday, December 2, at Endeavour House, Ipswich.
