FOURTEEN-year-old St Bonaventure’s student, Simon Omotoso, proved to be a Good Samaritan on Monday, September 25, after he went to the aid of a poorly passenger on the District Line during rush hour.
The drama unfolded as Simon and a group of students were on a school trip on their way to the Science Museum in Kensington for a UK Maths Challenge celebrations with teachers.
The packed train was in the vicinity of Westminster/St James’ Park Westbound at about 4.30pm when Simon noticed a smartly dressed middle aged man starting to shake and become visibly distressed before collapsing to the floor. Simon and a woman passenger immediately went to his aid.
Simon remained calm and pulled the emergency cord to alert the driver of what was happening and to request assistance. They helped the man to a sitting position and reassured him. It was discovered that the man had had an epileptic seizure.
Once help arrived, the man was taken for medical treatment and the train was allowed to continue its journey The school party arrived at the museum on time too.
Back in school Simon’s teachers, Ms Finlay and Ms Corriette told the Headteacher how proud they were of him for his actions. They reported that there were many adults on the train who could have intervened but it was young Simon who took the initiative.
Today, September 29, Simon was presented with the first Jack Petchey Award of the year in St Bonaventure’s for helping out and showing great maturity and for having a cool head in a crisis.
Headteacher, Paul Halliwell, added: “I didn’t hesitate to put Simon’s name forward for this award as what he did showed great love for his fellow man. He instinctively got involved and helped a distressed man in need and I can’t tell you how happy and proud that makes me feel.”
Simon says he will use his £250 award money from the Jack Petchey Foundation for the literacy cohort of Viva Voce students to spend on a special trip.
