Examiner Community Awards: Emergency Services Personality - Roy Whitehead
John said: "I remember hearing a noise like thunder. The next moment I was unconscious. When I came round I was laying in a pool of water. I remember trying to sit up, but couldn’t. It was all so vague.
"Then there was a firefighter or a paramedic next to me, asking if I could feel him touching me.
"I must have passed out again, because the next thing I remember was coming round in a scanning unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
"I usually shy away from publicity since the accident, but I really wanted to be here tonight to thank him properly."
John, who found love last summer with a new partner Helen, who he met in a Leeds nightclub following his accident travelled from his home in Selby to personally thank Roy for his help in rescuing him from the shaft.
Former colleague Alan Parkinson said: "It has been said on numerous occasions by staff at Huddersfield that when Roy retired in March there was a huge gap left which will be hard for anyone else to fill.
"We joined the service together all those years ago, on the same day and have been firm friends ever since. We also retired together."
Roy retired this year from Huddersfield Ambulance Station after a career which saw him eventually become a station officer.
He also received an award for bravery for his courage and calmness throughout the incident.
Other nominees in this category were Insp Mohammed Rauf and Graham Holroyd.
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