A Rochdale mental health worker has been formally recognised by the borough for brave action after rescuing a person from a canal and ensuring they received help afterwards.
Swift action outside work
Marcus Urey, who is employed as a technical instructor at Stansfield Place — a rehabilitation centre for men with serious mental illness run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust — was presented with a civic commendation by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale.
The award, described by the council as a form of “heroic recognition”, followed an incident in which Mr Urey intervened while he was not on duty. According to the trust, he acted quickly to remove the person from the water and then made sure they received appropriate support.
“Thankfully I was in the right place at the right time and did what I hope anyone would do to help someone in need,”
Mr Urey told colleagues he was grateful the individual was able to get help and was humbled by the praise he received.
Organisational response and civic ceremony
Pennine Care published a message on social media commending Mr Urey for his promptness and compassion, noting that his actions reflected the trust’s values and commitment to care, even outside contracted hours. The certificate was handed over at a ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall by Mayor Faisal Rana and Mayoress Iram Faisal.
- Recipient: Marcus Urey
- Employer: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Stansfield Place)
- Award: Civic recognition by Rochdale Borough Council
What this means locally
Incidents involving waterways remain a serious safety concern across Greater Manchester. Quick intervention in such situations can be the difference between life and death, and the council’s recognition highlights both individual courage and the importance of access to follow‑up support services. The trust’s statement also emphasised that staff often continue to show care and compassion beyond their shifts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employee role | Technical instructor, Stansfield Place |
| Ceremony location | Rochdale Town Hall |
| Civic officials | Mayor Faisal Rana and Mayoress Iram Faisal |
The council and the trust have not released further operational details about the incident, and no charges or further community safety measures have been reported. The focus from civic leaders and health colleagues has been on recognising Mr Urey’s prompt response and the subsequent care provided to the person involved.
The award serves as a public reminder of the role that frontline health staff and local residents play in emergency situations, and of the value of aftercare when someone has been rescued from the water.
