National Pubwatch Star Award for Cimi Kazazi
On 30 January 2025, National Pubwatch Regional Representative Mark Worthington attended The Italian Greyhound Pub and Restaurant in Great Glen, Leicestershire to make a Star Award to Cimi Kazazi.
The 6th January 2025 saw exceptional weather conditions across many parts of the UK, with snow thawing and heavy rainfall resulting in many areas flooding. This area of Leicestershire, Great Glen, was hit particularly hard and Cimi was alerted by a neighbour early that morning that his pub restaurant was flooding and at that time the flood water was “more than a metre deep,” with the pub’s beer garden tables completely submerged.
Close to the pub it was noticed that a lady was experiencing difficulties as her car was stranded in the flood water which was still rising. Cimi had no hesitation in going to her aid. Despite the dangers of entering flood water, he realised that if he didn’t act quickly the woman would be in serious peril and that things could soon develop into a life-threatening situation.
Cimi entered the freezing cold flood waters which were nearly chest high, and rescued the woman from her car and carried her to safety out of the flood waters. He then took her into the pub to warm her with heaters and towels. It transpired that the 63-year-old driver had been in the car for some time, having tried to leave the village but her car became trapped in the flood waters, and she could not open the door against the pressure of the water.
She is reported to have said: “‘I have never been in a situation like this before. I was freezing and very dizzy. They got to me at just the nick of time. The people here have been so supportive. Without them I would have been in hospital. I can’t thank them enough”.
Mark Worthington stated: “National Pubwatch would like to recognise the actions of Cimi. It is without doubt that if he hadn’t acted like he did that the situation could have developed into a much more serious situation. We think it is important that this type of selfless commitment is recognised and we have no hesitation in making this award”.
Mark also praised the sense of community that emerged from the flooding. Cimi’s Restaurant & Hotel was closed for 10 days whilst the flood damage was repaired, but the local community and people from further afield came to his assistance to get his business back up and running.
Cllr Rani Mahal (Glenn Ward) said: “Cimi has been a godsend to our local community, has a positive optimistic nature, despite clearly being under immense pressure himself when I met him.
I wasn’t there when he saved this lady, but social media showed him quite clearly reassuring her and putting her first and above his own health and safety and, he has demonstrated to us all that he is a local hero and one that the community can rely on.”
Dean Thornton, District Manager for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“While we’d always urge the public to call 999 in an emergency, and not to enter flood waters themselves, we recognise the quick-thinking and calm actions of Cimi Kazazi, in rescuing the woman trapped by flash-floods outside his pub, was a selfless act of bravery, and we’d like to thank National Pubwatch for arranging this award for him.”
Police Sergeant Peter Jelbert, Market Harborough neighbourhood Policing team. Said:
“Congratulations Cimi on showing outstanding bravery in the face of a dangerous situation. Your exhibition of selflessness is an example to us all.”
The Star Award is sponsored by HIT Training www.hittraining.co.uk
