A Leicester woman, Pari Mistry, owes her life to the quick thinking and bravery of lorry driver John Rastrick, who recently received a prestigious honour for his heroic actions.
Scroll down for video
In January 2019, on the M1, Pari’s car was hit by another vehicle, causing it to spin and burst into flames. John, driving nearby, rushed to the scene, finding Pari in shock inside her burning car. Despite the danger, he managed to pull her to safety just moments before the vehicle exploded.
Pari, then 27, suffered a fractured skull and underwent eight hours of surgery, needing extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic skills.
Although she doesn’t recall much from the incident, she vividly remembers feeling like she wouldn’t survive. With unwavering support from her close-knit family, she persevered through her recovery and expressed her gratitude to John for saving her life.
John’s heroic act was initially recognized in 2020 when he received a Bravery Award from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, reuniting him with Pari. Recently, he was further honored with a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award, a recognition of his outstanding bravery. The award ceremony, attended by notable personalities like Repair Shop host Jay Blades and comedian Katherine Ryan, celebrated John’s courageous actions that saved a life and inspired many.
