Wendy Richards and Teresa Hodges were recognised for bravery after helping save a man’s life at a Betfred shop in Weoley Castle. (Image: Betfred)
When a regular customer collapsed inside the Betfred shop in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, two staff members stepped in with calm precision and quick-thinking teamwork that ultimately saved his life.
Wendy Richards immediately began CPR. Teresa Hodges called emergency services and relayed vital instructions over the phone. The man, later identified as David, had suffered a massive heart attack.
Thanks to their fast response, David survived. Emergency responders told him he likely wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the actions of the two Betfred employees.
Wendy and Teresa’s actions didn’t go unnoticed. The Royal Humane Society, a charity that recognises acts of bravery where individuals risk their lives to save others, awarded them for their courage.
“Wendy jumped into action with CPR,” the company wrote in a tribute on LinkedIn.
“Teresa calmly called 999 and relayed life-saving instructions.”
In the days following the incident, David personally thanked the women for their quick actions. He was reportedly told by doctors that their intervention made the difference between life and death.
Betfred commended both team members in an emotional social media post, calling them
“The kind of colleagues that make Betfred more than just a workplace, they make it a community.”
The retailer added: “A huge thank you to Wendy, Teresa, and every Betfred team member who goes above and beyond every single day. You inspire us all.”
This isn’t the first time Betfred shop staff have played key roles in emergency situations, but it may be one of the most life-threatening and life-saving examples to date.

Most of my career was spent in teaching including at one of the UK’s top private schools. I left London in 2000 and set up home in Wales raising four beautiful children. I enrolled at University where I studied Photography and film and gained a Degree and subsequently a Masters Degree. In 2014 I helped launch a new local newspaper and managed to get front and back page as well as 6 filler pages on a weekly basis. I saw that journalism was changing and was a pioneer of hyperlocal news in Wales. In 2017 I started one of the first 24/7 free independent news sites for Wales. Having taken that to a successful business model I was keen for a new challenge. Joining the company is exciting for me especially as it is a new role in Europe. I am keen to establish myself and help others to do the same.
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