Patient's Kindness Thwarts Hospital Bombing in Leeds
Nathan Newby has spoken publicly for the first time about his extraordinary encounter with Mohammad Farooq at St James's Hospital in Leeds in 2023. The incident, which could have resulted in a devastating atrocity, was averted through an act of compassion that has earned Newby the George Medal for bravery.
Details of the Life-Saving Conversation
Newby, a 35-year-old from Leeds, was a patient at the hospital on the night of January 20, 2023, when he went outside for a vape and some fresh air. He noticed Farooq, a clinical support worker, swaying with his hands in his pockets, appearing distressed. "I just went over to see if he was alright, to see if I could make him feel better," Newby recalled. "I said: 'How are you, pal? Are you alright?' and it just went from there really."
Over the course of an hour, Farooq revealed his intentions, stating he was there "for some sort of revenge" and had a viable pressure cooker bomb intended to "kill as many nurses as possible." Newby, though scared, remained calm and asked to see the device to confirm its authenticity. Farooq willingly showed it to him, and Newby's main concern became moving him away from the building to minimise potential harm.
The Moment of Surrender and Recognition
Newby managed to guide Farooq to nearby benches, calculating that if the bomb detonated, it would only damage the doors rather than the entire structure. During their conversation, which lasted several hours, Farooq opened up about his family and children. "He asked for a cuddle a few times, and I said yeah, of course you can," Newby said. Eventually, Farooq told him to "phone the police before I change my mind."
Farooq was later sentenced to at least 37 years in prison after being described as a "self-radicalised lone wolf terrorist" inspired by Islamic State, with a grievance against nurses. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, the sentencing judge, praised Newby's actions, stating his "decency and kindness prevented an atrocity in a maternity wing of a major British hospital" and called his evidence "among the most remarkable this court has ever heard."
Newby's Perspective and Upcoming Honour
Reflecting on the event, Newby saw himself as "just in the right place at the right time" and emphasised that he does not judge others. "I thought he was probably a nice guy who was going through bad things at the time," he said, adding that Farooq's head was "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Newby, who was dealing with his own mental health struggles, prioritised ensuring only he and Farooq would be at risk if the bomb exploded.
On Wednesday, Newby is set to receive the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award in the UK, for his life-saving actions. His story highlights how a simple act of empathy can avert tragedy, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact of human connection in moments of crisis.
