​Gym instructor receives police award for bravery

A gym instructor at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury has been awarded a Greater Manchester Chief Constable’s Citizens’ Commendation.

In June, Ben Warburton was woken by the screams of a woman who was being violently attacked in the street. He chased the offender for more than a mile and detained him until police officers arrived.

Ben (aged 28), from Tottington, attended a ceremony at Bury police headquarters where the Deputy Chief Constable for Greater Manchester, Ian Pillington, presented him with the award.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “This was a serious (sexual) attack and an exceptional act of bravery. This young man is most definitely worthy of our Citizen’s Community Award.”

Ben said: “I feel very proud to have received this award. I just did what anyone would do when hearing someone in distress, but it’s lovely to be recognised for serving your community.”

Ben is a registered amateur boxer and has worked as a gym instructor across Manchester for eight years.

He added: “Since I’ve joined the gym at Bury Leisure I’ve helped many clients achieve their wellbeing goals and I look forward to helping more Bury residents to do so.”

Zilpha Lang, Bury Council leisure facilities manager, said: “We are all very pleased and proud to hear of Ben’s brave act and delighted that it has been formally recognised by Chief Constable Ian Hopkins.”

• Bury Leisure sports centres offer an extensive activities programme and multiple membership options. For details, see www.bury.gov.uk/buryleisure or phone 0161 253 7000.

ENDS

Press release issued: 20 December 2018.

Picture: Ben Warburton receives his award from Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pillington.