A TEENAGE girl watched in horror as a man cut his own neck with a razor.

While a woman stood crying and people walked by, Tamara Telford, who would have been only 15 at the time, stepped in to help.

The young army cadet from Cleator Moor, who is now 17, was unnerved when she saw the severity of the injuries the man, had inflicted on himself.

Because of the first aid training she had received while in the Army Cadets she immediately took control and started to administer first aid while reassuring the casualty.

Tamara applied direct pressure with large wads of tissues to stem the bleeding and when the paramedics arrived she was asked to continue applying that pressure until they were ready to take him to hospital.

As a result - but not only because of her courage- Tamara was awarded the Order of Mercy Foundation Medal for Distinguished Service for Cadets.

The award recognised her courage in helping this man, who had mental health issues.

But it also recognised her service to her community.

She joined the Army Cadets in September 2016, rising to the rank of Corporal in 2019.

Lt Col Diss, Deputy Commandant, Cumbria ACF. said: "Throughout this time, Tamara has given devoted service to the community despite great personal hardship for over five years. Tamara has regularly volunteered within her local community of Cleator Moor. "

She is part of the Exchange Corner community action group, where she has brought together different groups to socialise and have purpose where previously they would stay at home alone. The Knit and Natter group has enabled people to create blankets in their community to gift to those in need. She also mentors the younger teens and children, giving guidance and setting a positive example to those she meets in the town.

Michelle Denwood, of ‘Cleator Caring Moor’ said:"Her enthusiasm and respect, shown to the residents of this town has shown her to be a role model to other young people. She helped decorate the town for Remembrance Weekend 2021, setting the example to others in support of veterans and their families. Tamara makes every effort to support the older and younger generations in her local community, highlighting their needs to the charity group and ensuring those needs are addressed by their work. This includes helping pensioners, veterans,"

Her volunteer role within this project has been collecting and sorting of goods and then delivering those out to families in need, reaching along the whole west coast of Cumbria. This can build up to 20 hours volunteering a week through December and more over the days leading up to and over Christmas.”