Our Criteria

The purpose of the Carnegie Hero Fund UK is to recognise acts of civilian heroism and provide support and financial assistance, if required, to injured heroes or the dependants of the heroes who have lost their lives while attempting to save another human life.

1. We only recognise adults over 18 years of age.

2. The act of heroism must have occurred in Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or in the surrounding territorial waters.

3. We only recognise heroic acts that save, or attempt to save, human life in peaceful pursuits.

4. The heroic act must have been voluntary and have involved risk to the rescuer’s life. We will only recognise cases where the hero has died or has suffered life changing injuries.

5. In some occupations (e.g. the emergency services), the ordinary discharge of duty involves risks, and such risks cannot in general be regarded as voluntary and would fall out with our scope. However, the Trustees are prepared to consider cases in which the nature of the rescue effort exceeds any reasonable requirement of occupational responsibility.

6. An investigation will be carried out on all potential cases for consideration by the Trustees. This includes obtaining a report/statement from a member of the emergency services, coroner or procurator fiscal confirming that the rescue/attempted rescue involved risk to the rescuer’s life.

7. Recognition of a case is at the sole discretion of the Trustees.

Notes

Each reported case of heroism is judged on its individual merit in accordance with the above criteria. On recognising a case, the Trustees will agree a financial provision and we will prepare a citation and certificate to be awarded at a presentation ceremony for the hero’s friends and family. The name of the hero will be hand inscribed in the Hero Trust’s Roll of Honour.

We will maintain a continuing interest in the welfare of the recognised hero and/or their family. If required, we will provide ongoing support to:

·      Heroes who have been injured.

·      The dependants of heroes who have died

This support can be emotional and/or financial.