A Southport man who was recognised for his extraordinary bravery at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards has returned to his former primary school to inspire the next generation.
Liam Howard, who received the Sefton Courage Award sponsored by EFT Group earlier this year, was warmly welcomed back to Linaker Primary School in Southport, where he spent his childhood.
The visit came just weeks after both Liam and the school were celebrated at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards.
While Liam was honoured for his life-saving actions, Linaker Primary School was named Sefton School of the Year, making the reunion even more special.
During his visit, Liam met with Year 4 pupils, answered questions about his school days and spoke about the experience of receiving the Courage Award.
Liam Howard Inspires Pupils During Return to Linaker Primary School
Liam’s award recognised his heroic actions in October last year when he helped save the life of a man in distress at the NCP car park on London Street in Southport town centre.
While on duty, Liam intervened when he discovered a man attempting to take his own life.
He quickly opened the vehicle, stemmed the bleeding and remained with the man, offering comfort and support until emergency services arrived.
His actions helped save the man’s life, allowing him to recover fully and spend precious time with his family, including enjoying Christmas and a memorable family holiday together.
Returning to Linaker Primary School proved to be an emotional experience for Liam, who left the school in 1993.
He said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the students, teachers and especially Mr Cunniffe, the Headteacher at Linaker Primary School, for inviting me back and giving me such a warm welcome to my old school.
“A few Year 4 students asked me questions, and they were all absolutely brilliant, so well-mannered, polite, and full of fantastic questions.
“It was an absolute pleasure meeting every single one of them, as well as all of the other students I saw passing through the school and classrooms.
“They should be so proud of themselves.”
Southport Hero Recognised for Courage and Compassion
The Pride of Sefton judges described Liam as “an absolute hero” when presenting him with the Courage Award earlier this year.
Reflecting on his visit, Liam said it was a moving experience to return to the school where he spent his formative years.
He said:
“It was amazing, emotional, and incredibly nostalgic for me to have a tour around the school and see just how much it has changed from when I left back in 1993 to what it is today.
“Walking through those halls and playground again brought back so many happy memories and reminded me just how special my time there was.
“What a truly wonderful school Linaker is.
“I applaud all of the students, staff, teachers and the Headteacher for the amazing work they continue to do every single day.”
Liam also praised the school’s recent success at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards.
He added:
“It was also so well deserved to see Linaker win the Sefton School of the Year Award at the Pride of Sefton Awards, which I was proud to attend, honoured to win at myself, and even more thrilled to see my old school receive such a special honour.
“Thank you once again for the invitation, and well done again to all of the students for their brilliant questions. It was a real privilege to be there.”
Linaker Primary School said it was delighted to welcome Liam back and hear first-hand about his inspiring story.
A spokesperson said:
“It was great to welcome Liam Howard back to Linaker Primary School.
“Liam, a fellow Grand Pride of Sefton Awards winner who attended Linaker as a child, walked down memory lane and had a chat with some of our Year 4 children about what school was like when he was a child and how it felt to win a Pride of Sefton Courage Award.
“It was great to learn Liam’s story and hear about how teachers at Linaker helped shape the man he’s become, someone who shows great empathy towards others.”
The visit highlighted the lasting connection between schools and former pupils, while providing an inspiring example of courage, compassion and community spirit for the children at Linaker Primary.
The Grand Pride of Sefton Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals, organisations and community groups who make a difference across the borough.
Nominations for future awards are now open, giving residents the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes helping to make Sefton a better place.
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