Mansfield carer who saved woman's life after house fire honoured with bravery award

A Mansfield carer who saved the life of an elderly woman whose house was on fire has received an award for her brave actions.

Debbie Price won a special Judges’ Award for Exceptional Courage at the 2026 Nottinghamshire Proud to Care Awards, recognising the bravery she showed when a routine care visit became a life-or-death emergency.

Debbie, a Senior Carer with home care company Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield, remained calm under intense pressure and helped a customer in her seventies escape after smoke began filling the woman’s home.

Debbie was visiting the customer and when she arrived the door was open and she could see the lady sitting in her chair in her living room with smoke from the kitchen filling the house.

Debbie says: “The lady in question has Alzheimer’s and is not very mobile. I managed to get her out of the chair and guided her to the door.

“Because of her condition, she didn’t realise what was going on and was afraid of leaving the house.”

The smoke was coming from a chip pan which hadn’t been switched off properly, which resulted in the fire breaking out.

“It’s amazing what strength you find when adrenaline kicks in,” said 45-year-old mum-of-two Debbie.

“I managed to get her up, and outside. A passing van driver helped get her sat in my car then called the emergency services.

“It didn’t really hit me until afterwards when I was sitting with the lady. I felt dizzy and thought I was going to faint but managed to keep it together.”

Chloe Holmes, Care Manager at Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield, said: “We are immensely proud of Debbie. Her courage, quick thinking and commitment to her customer’s safety were exceptional and this award is a fitting recognition of the compassion and professionalism she brings to her role every day.”