Bournemouth, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on October 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth carer receives special award after saving woman’s life

The carer performed CPR for 25 minutes on a woman who had gone into cardiac arrest.

Stacey Burch, who works in Care South at Home’s Bournemouth office, was presented with a HEART Excellence Award at the not-for-profit charity’s 17th annual Stars Awards. Stacey received a standing ovation from her colleagues as she accepted her award from Chris Kean, Chair of Care South, and Martin Ross, Director of Care South at Home.

Stacey was working out in the community earlier this year when she was flagged down by a shopkeeper on Columbia Road in Bournemouth to support Carole Knight, who had gone into cardiac arrest. Stacey sprang into action, performing CPR on Carole for 25 minutes until paramedics arrived and took over.

Stacey said: “I was so grateful to have the right training through my work because I was able to put it into practice straight away, and I later found out that I had helped to save Carole’s life. It made me realise why all the training we do is so important and why I do this job, as it enables me to make a difference to others when they need it most.”

After reuniting following the incident, Stacey and Carole were brought together again at the Stars Awards in a particularly special moment, where they sat together throughout the event. Carole was then invited to the stage to help present Stacey with her award.

Carole said: “Stacey saved my life and without her help, I wouldn’t be here today. I knew nothing about what was happening as I had collapsed and Stacey gave me CPR for 25 minutes. I am so thrilled that she has been recognised. What she did was remarkable. It took me a long while to get over it, I’m getting through it and I’m grateful for life. I owe this all to Stacey.”