Five Shooting Star Chase staff were given a Borough Commander’s Commendation by the Metropolitan Police last week (Thursday 27 April 2017) for rushing to the aid of a victim and protecting members of the public during an incident in which four women were stabbed in Hampton in May 2016. 

Sandi Hillery (Head of Care at Hampton-based hospice, Shooting Star House), Helen Sibley (Director of Care at Shooting Star Chase) and Elizabeth Ackie (Care Admin Team Leader at Shooting Star Chase) were commended for their bravery, and care of witnesses and victims after leaving the security of the hospice gates after hearing the screams of victim, Rani Chandi, in Sainsbury’s car park next to Shooting Star House on Friday 20 May. While the offender, Ethem Orhon, was still on the scene with a knife, staff led Mrs Chandi into Shooting Star House to be treated and guided other members of the public to safety.

Sarah Sogeler (Hospice at Home Lead Nurse at Shooting Star House) and Rachel OGara (Hospice at Home Nurse at Shooting Star House) were commended for administering emergency treatment to Mrs Chandi, who sustained two stab wounds to the back, before the ambulance arrived.

The attack took place as bereaved families were at the hospice for a memory day – where parents and siblings return to the hospice to remember children who have died.

The official Richmond Borough Operational Command Unit commendation ceremony took place at Imber Court Sports Club in East Moseley and saw the Shooting Star Chase staff receive their commendation certificates along with over 55 members of the police service, nine RNLI crew and four other members of the public who were all also awarded for their outstanding work and support in protecting the public.

Chief Superintendent, Borough Commander, Parm Sandhu gave the opening address and local resident and actor, Nick Frost, gave a speech to close the ceremony, thanking those present for their hard work and dedication.

Mrs Chandi said: “At first I thought I’d been hit but I felt wetness on my back and the panic set in. I have never been so scared in my life. At that moment, some of the Shooting Star Chase staff arrived, took my hand and said, “Come with us, we’ll take care of you.” In the hospice they tended to my wounds and all I remember thinking was that I was going to die, and of course the nurses reassured me I was going to be OK.

“I can’t express how eternally grateful I am to them and everyone at Shooting Star House for rescuing me from a truly traumatic situation. Their kindness and bravery on that day means everything and I feel lucky to have had such amazing people nearby and willing to help.”

Helen Sibley said: “My team and I are absolutely honoured to receive the Borough Commander’s Commendation. We feel privileged to have attended such a special event, and be commended alongside the very brave policing services who tackle crime day-in, day-out.

“I’m extremely proud of my staff who acted swiftly to ensure Rani was safe and provided excellent nursing care in a very traumatic situation. This commendation is testament to the amazing staff we have here at Shooting Star Chase, and their willingness to go the extra mile in caring for those in need.”

In November 2016 Ethem Orhon was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of two counts of attempted murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Article supplied by Becky Medhurst