Hero Who Prevented Hospital Bombing Receives George Medal for Bravery
Nathan Newby, the courageous patient who averted a potential atrocity at St James's Hospital in Leeds, has spoken publicly for the first time about his remarkable encounter with a would-be terrorist. His actions, described as an extraordinary act of kindness, have earned him the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award in the United Kingdom.
A Fateful Night of Compassion
On January 20, 2023, Mr Newby, then a 35-year-old patient at the hospital, stepped outside for fresh air and noticed Mohammad Farooq acting strangely. "I just went over to see if he was alright, to see if I could make him feel better," Mr Newby recalled. What began as a simple gesture of concern unfolded into a hours-long conversation that ultimately saved countless lives.
Farooq, a self-radicalised lone-wolf terrorist inspired by Islamic State, had brought a homemade pressure cooker bomb to the maternity wing with the intent to "kill as many nurses as possible." During their talk, Farooq revealed his deadly plan, showing Mr Newby the device. Despite the fear, Mr Newby's primary focus was to tactically move Farooq away from the building to minimise potential casualties.
An Instinctive Response
"Part of me was scared," Mr Newby admitted, but he emphasised that his response was driven by pure instinct. He calculated the bomb's radius and guided Farooq to nearby benches, ensuring that if it detonated, only the doors would be damaged, not the entire structure. "I wasn't going to shout... I just thought, the best way is to keep quiet and just get him out of the way," he explained.
Their conversation spanned several hours, during which Farooq shared details about his family and children. In a poignant moment, Farooq asked for a hug, which Mr Newby granted, demonstrating empathy in the face of danger. "I don't judge anybody. Everybody's different and unique in their own ways," Mr Newby reflected.
The Critical Turning Point
Ultimately, Farooq told Mr Newby to "phone the police before I change my mind." Mr Newby described this as a relief, though he remained aware that Farooq could have reversed his decision at any moment. After armed officers arrived and detained Farooq, the gravity of the situation finally sank in for Mr Newby. "It started sinking in that it could have been different," he said, emotions overwhelming him as he realised the potential catastrophe had been averted.
During the police call, Mr Newby noted that Farooq "seemed like a nice guy deep down," a sentiment he still holds. "He probably is a nice guy. It was just, his head was in the wrong place at the wrong time," he added, attributing Farooq's actions to personal struggles.
Recognition and Reflection
Farooq was subsequently jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years. In sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb praised Mr Newby as "an extraordinary, ordinary man whose decency and kindness prevented an atrocity." Despite this acclaim, Mr Newby humbly sees himself as someone who was "just in the right place at the right time."
He rarely dwells on the event, only recalling it when others mention it. "It's crazy how it could have gone... I was a patient at the time, so I wouldn't be here," he acknowledged, highlighting the personal risk he faced. His selfless actions, blending compassion with quick thinking, have rightfully earned him one of the nation's highest honours for bravery.
