Southport Hero Saves Grandad’s Life in Car Park After Spotting Something Terribly Wrong

Sefton Bubble
6 minutes ago
4 min read

A Southport car park attendant has been praised as a hero after his quick thinking and compassion helped save the life of a local grandfather.

Liam Howard was working at the NCP car park on London Street beside Southport train station last October when he noticed a man sitting inside a parked car who appeared to be in distress.

Realising something was seriously wrong, Liam immediately stepped in to help. He quickly assisted the man, provided first aid and remained by his side while speaking calmly to him until emergency services arrived. Throughout the incident he also ensured the man’s privacy was respected while paramedics treated him at the scene.

Thanks to Liam’s swift intervention, the man later made a full recovery and has since been able to spend precious time with his family again, including enjoying a special holiday together.

The London Street and Promenade car parks in Southport are the only manned car parks of their kind in the town. Liam has worked for NCP for nearly 14 years and shares his shifts with colleague Steve Farrington. The pair have worked side by side for almost a decade, helping countless motorists and visitors over the years with a wide range of issues.

In this case, their watchful presence and Liam’s willingness to step in during a moment of crisis helped save a life.

The daughter of the man Liam helped described him as an absolute hero whose actions prevented what could have been a tragedy.

She said Liam had been on patrol when he noticed something was not right and immediately went to check on her father.

She explained that her father had been going through mental health difficulties and that Liam stayed with him, speaking to him and keeping him awake until help arrived.

When she reached the car park she found Liam still by her father’s side.

She said her dad was breathing and aware that she had arrived and was holding Liam’s hand. Paramedics and police officers then took over the situation but Liam continued to help, making sure nobody took photographs or asked questions while the family dealt with the situation before her father was taken to hospital.

She described Liam as incredible from start to finish and praised his professionalism, compassion and kindness.

She added that her family will always be grateful for what he did and believes he deserves recognition for his actions.

Speaking about the incident, Liam said he and his colleague Steve always try to look out for people while on duty.

He explained that they have worked together at the London Street and Promenade car parks for several years and always keep an eye out to make sure people are safe and well. He said they regularly help people with many different things and are always ready to assist whenever someone needs help.

Statement from Liam Howard

Liam has also shared a message of thanks following the incident and the support he has received.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Kevin Duala and the team at BBC Merseyside, as well as Sean Connolly at Mighty Radio, for kindly inviting me onto their shows. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and truly appreciate the support they have shown.”

“I am also deeply thankful to the gentleman whose life I was able to help save, and to his family, for trusting me to share what happened that day. Their kindness in allowing me to speak about the incident, and the recognition they have given me, means more than words can say.”

“With their consent, I feel honoured to speak about the experience on television and radio. If sharing this story helps raise awareness, encourages someone who is struggling, or reminds even one person that they are not alone in their mental health journey, then it is worth it.”

“I am proud to use my voice to advocate for those who may be going through difficult times, especially anyone who may feel lost or is thinking about taking their own life. If speaking out can help someone find hope, reach out for support, or even save a life, then that is something I will always stand behind.”

“Thank you to everyone again for their support and the many kind messages and comments.”

Stories like this are a powerful reminder that sometimes the actions of one person can make the difference between tragedy and hope. Liam’s compassion and calm response in a moment of crisis helped give a family more time with someone they love and highlighted the importance of looking out for one another in our communities.

Mental Health Support

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