Heaton Park congregant Andrew Franks, who tackled terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie to the ground and gave shul-goers a life-saving early warning, is being given the Pride of Britain Award.
Franks was volunteering for CST on the day of the attack on Yom Kippur – a year ago today – when Al-Shamie launched his knife rampage.
Franks was repeatedly stabbed in the face and neck but he managed to push Al-Shamie to the ground before running inside to tell the congregation to lock the doors.
Franks’ wife, Rama, had recently died of cancer, and he was the sole carer for his daughter Tamara, who at the time had just turned 16.
He was rushed to hospital where he told doctors: “Please save me, I have a daughter.”
With life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, spine and face, he was reported to have died and been brought back to life three times on the operating table.
Shortly after the attack, Franks’ friend Jonathan Patoff launched a fundraiser for him, which almost immediately raised its target of £75,000.
He wrote at the time: “Andrew is a quiet and unassuming, good man who behaved heroically in defending the congregants, giving others time to lock the door and save lives.
"The physical and mental scars of his selfless heroism will take time to heal...
“I am looking to raise funds to help him and his daughter financially during this time.”
Franks was selected for the Pride of Britain Award last month out of tens of thousands of nominations.
The ceremony will be broadcast later this month on ITV1 and ITVX, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo.
Vorderman said: “It is such an honour to be returning to host the Pride of Britain Awards for the 27th year.
"Every single year, the incredible winners inspire millions with their stories of courage, empathy and bravery.
"At a time when division is spreading, the winners send a message of hope and bring people together across Britain.”
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