Nathan Newby, a former hospital patient, has been awarded the George Medal for his exceptional bravery in averting a potential bombing incident outside a hospital in Leeds. The award, which is the UK’s most prestigious civilian honour for acts of bravery, was presented by King Charles on March 25, 2023. The commendation comes in recognition of Newby’s actions on January 20, 2023, when his quick-thinking and intervention prevented a tragedy.
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At the time, 35-year-old Newby was being treated for a chest infection at St James’s University Hospital. While there, he encountered 30-year-old Mohammad Farooq, a former nursing student, who was found to be carrying a pressure cooker bomb. Recognising the dire situation, Newby felt compelled to engage Farooq in conversation as a means of distraction.
In a reflection of the gravity of the situation, Newby noted, “I thought there was no way of getting away now, so I might as well stay with the guy. If I’d run away, he would have panicked.” His instinct to remain by Farooq’s side led to a tense two-hour conversation, during which Newby attempted to understand Farooq’s mindset and steer him away from his dangerous intentions.
The circumstances that night were notably tense, as the usually bustling hospital was unusually quiet. Newby described the atmosphere, saying, “There was no one there at all, it was just me and him. There was no one there I could send a signal to.” Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and focus, believing that he could influence Farooq’s thoughts towards a more peaceful conclusion.
During their prolonged interaction, Farooq brandished a firearm but Newby continued to engage with him without escalating the situation. His persistent dialogue ultimately persuaded Al-Farooq to call the police. Following this crucial intervention, law enforcement quickly apprehended Farooq at the hospital.
Subsequent investigations revealed critical evidence in Farooq’s possession, including a pressure cooker bomb with attached wires, alongside other explosive materials found in his vehicle. At trial, the device was described as significantly larger than those used in previous attacks, underscoring the gravity of Newby’s actions in preventing a potential catastrophe.
In a disclosure made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it was revealed that Farooq had communicated intentions of mass harm, reportedly expressing a desire “to kill everyone” during his conversation with Newby. The evidence collected also indicated his involvement in radical ideologies and a troubling interest in creating explosive devices.
Farooq faced trial in 2025, where he was convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 37 years. The need to act upon his terroristic thoughts was apparent, as Farooq had originally intended to target RAF Menwith Hill, a military surveillance base, but later shifted his focus to St James’s Hospital, deeming it a “softer and less well-protected target.”
In reflecting on the harrowing experience, Newby expressed the unsettling nature of the events that transpired. He mentioned, “When I got back in my room in the hospital and laid on the bed, that’s when it all hit me. It’s just crazy that if I hadn’t been in hospital … he would have gone for it and I would have been seeing it on the news.”
Despite his courageous actions, Newby remains humble about his role, asserting, “I like to think that anybody would do that.” He feels that everyone’s reaction to crisis situations varies, and he believes his presence at the hospital on that fateful day was part of a larger purpose.
“I hate going into hospitals but on that day, I was in there for a reason and it was not to get better; I was in there because that was happening,” he concluded, highlighting the unexpected and life-threatening circumstance that unfolded in a place typically associated with healing.
Newby’s extraordinary courage not only resulted in a life-saving outcome but also serves as a reminder of the impact that one individual can have in the face of peril. His actions underscore the importance of awareness and intervention in preventing potential tragedies and highlight the resilience present within communities faced with threats to safety.