Marie Curie workers Angela Morris and Beverley Masson were working a nightshift visiting terminally ill patients when they came across an abandoned car and stopped to investigate
Two Marie Curie nurses have been hailed as heroes after saving the life of a police officer left for dead following a hit and run.
Registered nurse Angela Morris and health care assistant Beverley Masson, both from Aberdeenshire, were driving along the A952 near Mintlaw at around 1am following a visit to care for a terminally ill patient at their home.
Stopping to investigate an abandoned car, they heard shouts from a nearby field where PC Ewan Simpson had been thrown from his motorbike caused by a hit and run.
Calling 999 and attempting to keep him calm and comfortable, they remained with the off-duty PC until the emergency services arrived.
The injuries PC Simpson sustained were so severe part of his leg had to be amputated, but those involved admit it doesn’t bear thinking about what the outcome would be if they hadn't stopped.
We could see he was in a really bad way, but of course we weren’t going to let him know that
The incident happened in October 2015 but news of the two charity workers' heroics was only revealed after the driver of the car was jailed and Police Scotland bestowed them with Bravery and Meritorious awards.
Remarkably it was care assistant Beverley’s first shift with Marie Curie, which offers care and support to those with a terminal illness.
“We could see he was in a really bad way, but of course we weren’t going to let him know that,” Beverley recalled.
“It was a twist of fate that we found him and had the professional training to do as much as we could to help him. Anyone would have done the same.
“The emergency services really saved his life. I did get home a couple of hours later and played it over in my head and think ‘what if?’ He had someone looking out for him that night.”
Describing herself as “chuffed” at the award win Beverley added she has mixed emotions.
“That was a really terrible, life-changing experience for the PC and his family.
“It is a credit to all the emergency services that he survived. I’m pleased to be accepting the award but I’ll be doing so on behalf of all the front line nurses and emergency services.”
Amazingly, nurse Angela, who has worked for the charity for five years, went on to visit another family that night and finished her 12 hour shift at 7am - such is her dedication.
She added: “It brings it home to you how fragile lives are and how quickly your world can be turned upside down. I am honoured to be receiving the award but think that PC Simpson is the brave one.”
Eamon O’Kane, Marie Curie divisional manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said Angela and Beverley exemplify the extraordinary care they and their colleagues provide.
“I’m delighted that Angela and Beverley have received this award,” he said.
“Our nurses and healthcare assistants regularly work unseen by the wider community, often through the night, and the care and support they dedicate is vital to so many families living with a terminal illness.
“I hope too that this story serves as a reminder to anyone who thinks they or a terminally ill family member could benefit from Marie Curie to get in touch with their GP or district nurse.”
Chief constable Phil Gormley recently presented the two nurses with their awards at a ceremony at Police Scotland College, Tulliallan.
He said: “It is genuinely humbling to hear of the extraordinary lengths people have gone to, to help others. I was privileged to present these awards. It is absolutely right we honour their bravery.”
