OFF-DUTY medics and police officers who tried to save a crash victim’s life have been awarded for their “quick thinking” actions.

On August 18 last year, nurse Alison Hailes, paramedic Adam Panter and Pcs Heidi MacDonald, Nicholas White and Matthew Everitt, attended a horrific five car pile-up on the A1(M).

Sadly, Tony Radford died of serious head injuries the day after the rush-hour crash – which occured between junctions five, at WGC, and four, for the Oldings roundabout.

On Monday last week, chief superintendent Julia Wortley awarded area commendations to the five.

She said: “I have been told of the professionalism and determination of these officers who worked together under tremendous pressure on the A1(M) – I am extremely proud of them.

“What they did will not be forgotten by many people and I’m delighted to give due recognition for their outstanding team effort.”

Mr Radford, a dad-of-two from Stevenage, was travelling southbound on the motorway in a Smart car when the crash happened.

The 42-year-old was fourth in the line of vehicles which crashed.

No one else was injured.

Wife Gaynor said she was thankful for the help of the off-duty medics and police officers.

She said: “Myself and my boys [Mark, five, and Thomas, seven] are eternally grateful for the assistance of everyone who stopped to help Tony.

“They went out of their way to help save him – it means so much to us that he wasn’t on his own.”