Oxford United would like to congratulate our former scholar Drew Ricketts who has been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award.
Drew was a powerful central defender during his time with the U’s, and went on to play for Mansfield Town after being released as a scholar at the end of the 2016 season.
Since then he has returned to Solihull and become a firefighter with Green Watch at Solihull Fire Station.
In November 2020, Drew was with his partner at a petrol station in Billesley when he noticed a woman nearby calling for help.
West Midlands Fire Service Chief Fire Officer, Phil Loach, said:
“It quickly became apparent that a road traffic collision had taken place where a man had been hit by a car and was unconscious with significant head injuries and not breathing.
“Following an assessment of the scene, FF Ricketts began CPR on the patient whilst on the phone to colleagues at West Midlands Ambulance Service and worked with others at the scene to compress the bleeding and maintain spinal support.
“Following CPR, the man regained consciousness. At this point the ambulance crew arrived and FF Ricketts provided a handover of the scene whilst continuing to assist.
“Since the incident the family have been in touch to let FF Ricketts know that the gentleman is now out of hospital and his health is steadily progressing.
“The family have nominated Drew for both a Pride of Britain Award and a Pride of Birmingham Award. I would like to congratulate and recognise FF Ricketts for his quick and decisive actions, calling on all his training, to assist and support in a challenging situation where a life was saved.”
Oxford United would like to congratulate Drew on his nomination. Academy Manager Dan Harris told us
“Drew’s time at the club predates mine but those who worked with him tell me he is an outstanding young man and he is remembered very fondly here. We talk a lot about developing fine people as well as fine footballers and Drew is a fantastic example of how that has been the case over the years.”