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Doctor given star award for saving runner's life

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Joe with Dr Nikki Stevenson, Executive Medical Director (left) and Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (right). Joe is wearing blue doctor overalls, holding the star trophy, as the trio stand in a hospital corridorWirral University Teaching Hospital
Joe Clarkson (centre), with Dr Nikki Stevenson, executive medical director (left) and Janelle Holmes, chief executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital

A junior doctor has been given a prestigious award for saving a man's life while off-duty.

Dr Joe Clarkson was awarded Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s very first CEO Star Award for saving the life of military veteran Grant Williams.

The 28-year-old sprang from his barber's chair to go to the aid of Mr Williams, who collapsed whilst running in Liverpool on 9 March.

The pair were recently reunited after Mr Williams made an appeal on BBC Breakfast to find the doctors who saved him.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Joe Clarkson, in a dark blue t-shirt, pictured with his arm around Grant Williams (right), in an orange t-shirt. There is gym equipment in the background.Wirral University Teaching Hospital
Dr Joe Clarkson, in training with fitness instructor Grant Williams, whom he saved after he collapsed during a run

Fitness instructor Grant Williams collapsed on Smithdown Road following a cardiac arrest.

The 52-year-old, whose running companions resuscitated him and went in search of a defibrillator, said he had “no memory” of what happened.

Dr Clarkson and Dr Mel Hamilton, along with Mr Williams' running friends, performed CPR until the ambulance arrived, ultimately saving his life.

“When you’re in the moment, you really don’t think. You just help," said Dr Clarkson.

“It’s like muscle memory."

'He's a diamond'

The prestigious accolade was presented by Janelle Holmes, the Trust’s chief executive, and medical director Dr Nikki Stevenson, in recognition of the junior doctor's extraordinary efforts in saving a life while off-duty.

The award took Dr Clarkson by surprise: “I was just getting on with my day-to-day business when I received it," he said.

“It’s a huge honour that’s just added to an already extraordinary story."

A strong bond has developed between Dr Clarkson and Mr Williams, from Newport, since that dramatic day.

The pair are currently training together for the Newport Marathon in April 2025, with the aim of raising awareness about heart health.

And, in addition to marathon training and fundraising, the duo have been actively working together to educate others about the issue.

“It’s like we’ve known each other forever," said Dr Clarkson.

In a touching gesture, Mr Williams even has the doctor's initials tattooed on his arm.

“I will always be indebted to him," said Grant. “He’s a diamond."

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