The UK has lost a true hero. Glen Edwards, the quick-thinking crane operator who saved lives during November’s blazing inferno at
Reading’s Station Hill development, has passed away.
Fire Chief Hails Glen’s Courage
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue’s Chief Fire Officer Mark Arkwell paid tribute, saying,
“Glen will be fondly remembered across our communities for his bravery during the November 2023 fire at the Station Hill development.”
He recalled how Glen stayed cool under pressure, using a crane to rescue two people trapped on a burning rooftop.
“His courage, skill and composure saved lives that day. We will never forget him.”
Arkwell added,
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Glen’s family and friends in this difficult time.”
From Reading’s ‘Bruce Willis’ to Cancer Fighter
Glen, from Egham, Surrey, was hailed as the “Bruce Willis of Reading” after his daring rescue. Footage showed the 65-year-old expertly manoeuvring his crane through thick smoke to lift a man from the burning roof.
Despite his heroics, Glen was modest and always downplayed his bravery.
He had previously beaten tongue cancer with radiotherapy but was later diagnosed with spine cancer. Supported by the Berkshire charity
Bucket List Wishes, Glen and his family managed to furnish their new home while battling illness.
The charity’s founder, Gini Hackett called Glen “an incredible man” and “a genuine hero” who never thought of himself during the emergency.
Honoured for Bravery and Compassion
- Glen won the BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference award in September 2024.
- His daring rescue took place as he was operating a 90m crane near Station Hill, Reading.
- He saved two men trapped on a tiny, flaming rooftop during a massive November 2023 fire.
- Station Hill, a new development housing major tenants like PepsiCo UK, opened just months before the fire.
Glen Edwards’ bravery and kindness left a lasting mark. The UK salutes a true everyday hero gone too soon.
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