A KIDDERMINSTER student who saved the life of a Bristol rugby fan has been awarded her university’s prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Medal.

Sarah Shaw, who is studying at the University of Worcester, was on duty as a first aider for Kingswood Rugby Football Club in Bristol as part of her course placement when a lifelong fan and club water-boy, Ian Hardwell, suffered a serious cardiac arrest.

Sarah responded immediately by administrating CPR until paramedics arrived and her actions contributed to Mr Hardwell making as ‘complete a recovery as possible’.

The club celebrated its 60th anniversary at an annual awards dinner, where Sarah was reunited with Ian. During the dinner, a representative from the university presented a certificate to Sarah, announcing she would be formally awarded the medal when she graduates in November.

The 22 year-old said: “Ian ran on the pitch with water for the players then I saw everyone crowding round him and they shouted me over – I thought it was a twisted ankle or something.

“When I got there he was on his knees and from his breathing I knew that he was having a cardiac arrest and from my training, I knew what was going to happen.

“The first aid and CPR training on my course is very intense, it’s drummed into you.

“And now I know why, you just never know when something’s going to happen. I was just doing what I was trained to do and what I was there to do.”

Professor David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: “Although, I’m sure, she will say that anyone in her position would have reacted in the same way when faced with a medical emergency, her actions demonstrate what an exceptional person she is, and we are very proud she is one of our students.

“We are delighted to hear that Mr Hardwell is making a good recovery, and we extend our good wishes to him and his family, as well as to Kingswood RFC, who very generously welcomed Sarah to their 60th anniversary dinner.”