OPINION: Proud praise for Sheffield Wednesday heroes

Which is why days like today make us proud to be able to report on Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

Life-saving Sheffield Wedensday medics praised

Over on page 3, you can read the amazing tale of the medical team which saved the life of a stricken Sheffield Wednesday fan.

The 60-year-old was suddenly taken ill during the Owls’ 2-0 win over Leeds United at Hillsborough on Saturday.

The medical staff wasted no time in jumping into action after being tipped off by stewards, who were in turn alerted by a member of the public.

Every single person, from that first bystander, to the safety team, to the paramedics and medical professionals working for Sheffield Wednesday that day deserve praise of the highest order.

The club has hit the headlines this week after it was revealed that 16-year-old would-be footballer Luke Francis was struggling to get signed up by a professional outfit, partly attributed to a contract he signed with the Owls as an 11-year-old.

Just as that story was reported in order to highlight an issue in need of wider debate – and I say that myself as a Wednesday fan – equally, today we report this heartwarming story to spotlight the good being done by the hard-working everyday heroes at Hillsborough who ultimately saved a man’s life.

What’s even more heartwarming is that they are not the only heroes in Sheffield we can proudly report on today.

A 36-year-old mum who battled homelessness and chronic depression has heaped praise on her neighbours, who she says saved her life with their acts of kindness towards her – see page 10.

At a time when so few people can claim to even know so much as their neighbour’s first name, the fact that this couple pulled Caroline, and by extension her family of six, back from the brink through their actions is absolutely brilliant.

The couple even went so far as to buy Caroline’s family a new oven when their Christmas was facing disaster.

When was the last time you even spoke to the people living next door to you?

All these heroes can be shining examples to everyone about the difference we all have the power to make in someone else’s life, with just a little effort. It doesn’t have to be an oven – it could start with just a hello.

It’s also a timely reminder of the real good of humanity right here in our city.