Cathedral Constable recognised for "outstanding bravery" after climbing York Minster to help distressed man

Cathedral Constable Adam Rickers, to be honoured by the Royal Humane Society, has been credited with helping to bring a man back from the brink of despair.

He had climbed the scaffolding to get close enough to talk to him, walking along the roof edge 250ft in the air before climbing a 10m pinnacle.

After talking to the man for an hour-and-a-half, supporting trained police negotiators when they arrived, he was brought down to hospital and safety.

“Adam put himself at great personal risk to help a man experiencing the most unimaginable distress," said Mark Sutcliffe, head of security at York Minster.

"Adam and those brave officers from North Yorkshire Police, persevered in the most difficult and extreme circumstances.

"Working as a team, they brought a man back from the brink of despair and got him to safety so that he could get the care that he needed.

“There is an immense sense of pride around the entire Minster Community at this most courageous and selfless act from this quiet and unassuming man.”

Police had been called to the Minster on September 12 last year, to reports of a man in distress. Mr Rickers, seeing him on the roof, had immediately climbed to his aid.

After 30 minutes, trained negotiators had arrived and, after another hour, the man was led to safety and hospital.

York Minster's Police Constabulary, established in the 13th century, is thought to be the oldest continuing police service in the country.

The Cathedral Constables are attested, holding the powers of police within the Minster and its precincts.

Mr Rickers is to receive a Royal Society Testimonial on Vellum which will be personally signed and approved by the Society’s President, Princess Alexandra.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police who supported Adam at the incident will each receive an award of a Testimonial on Parchment for their brave conduct on the night.