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7/7 hero to receive bravery award after honours snub
Alex Stephens, Evening Standard12.05.08
A hero of the 7 July attacks who was denied a New Year's Honour is to receive a bravery award.
Teacher Tim Coulson, who was caught up in the aftermath of the Edgware Road bombing, will be presented with a bronze medal by Princess Alexandra, president of the Royal Humane Society, in a ceremony at Haberdashers' Hall on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old, from Henley, was among a group of men who smashed their way into a stricken carriage of the bombed train to give first aid to the injured and dying.
He was underground for more than an hour until the emergency services arrived and still suffers from post-traumatic stress.
He was refused a New Year's honour by the Cabinet office on the grounds the awards could only be given to people "for meritorious service over a sustained period".
Mr Coulson said: "I feel immensely proud my part in saving the lives of others in such dire circumstances has been recognised. It will also go towards repairing some of the damage intended that day."
Reader views (3)
Tim saved my sister Alison that day. We as a family can never repay him for what he did. We will all be forever grateful to him and are so pleased that he has received the public recognition he deserves.
- Amy, Sydney, Australia
I worked with Tim for a number of years. What a fantastic person you are. I am so pleased you are being recognised for the outstanding things you did. Well done Tim.
- Carole Kinsey, Sutton, Surrey
What a pathetic comment by the Cabinet. This man obviously has more courage and backbone in his little finger than the Cabinet have in their entirety. They reward their own and ignore those who deserve honours. Never mind, Tim, you will have the undying gratitude of those you helped, whilst the spineless Cabinet receive nothing but contempt after their self-serving comments.
- Shirley, London
