Andrew Franks, a volunteer security guard who sustained severe, life-changing injuries while confronting an attacker at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, is set to receive the prestigious Outstanding Bravery award at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards.
The tragic attack occurred on October 2, 2025-coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Franks, a 53-year-old chef and father from Bury, Greater Manchester, was volunteering as a security guard when 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie launched a violent rampage.
How Andrew Franks Saved Hundreds During the Synagogue Attack
Despite being stabbed multiple times in the head, neck, spine, and face, Franks’ immediate instinct was to protect the hundreds of congregants inside the building. After noticing the assailant acting sus**ciously outside, Franks rushed to intervene when the attacker forced his way past the gates.
Grappling with the knifeman, Franks managed to trip him up and prevent him from entering the main sanctuary. Bleeding profusely, he shouted a critical warning to “lock the doors” before collapsing. His decisive intervention bought crucial minutes, allowing individuals inside the 850-capacity synagogue to barricade the doors and secure the building.
Tragically, Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, lost their lives during the atrocity before armed police officers arrived at the scene and shot the attacker dead. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson confirmed that Franks’ supreme courage undoubtedly prevented a far greater loss of life and averted mass murder.
Miraculous Recovery and National Recognition
Rushed to hospital in critical condition, Franks suffered massive blood loss. He later recalled flatlining and being brought back to life three times on the operating table. His elderly father, Ellis Franks, who was inside the synagogue at the time, rushed to his side and helped staunch the bleeding from his wounds until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Franks spent a fortnight in the hospital, enduring a nine-and-a-half-hour surgery to repair severed facial and eye nerves, alongside skull and spinal fractures. As he continues his long road to recovery with ongoing trauma counseling and specialized rehabilitation, his bravery has captured the hearts of the nation.
The 2026 Pride of Britain Awards Ceremony
The Pride of Britain Awards, established in 1999, celebrate ordinary individuals who demonstrate extraordinary acts of courage, community spirit, and selflessness. Selected by a panel following tens of thousands of public nominations, Franks will accept his Outstanding Bravery award at a star-studded gala held at Grosvenor House in London.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, the 2026 ceremony will be broadcast nationally on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday, October 22. Co-host Carol Vorderman praised the resilience of this year’s honorees, noting that their powerful stories serve as a vital message of hope, empathy, and unity across the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andrew Franks?
Andrew Franks is a 53-year-old chef and security volunteer from Bury, Greater Manchester, who gained national recognition for his extraordinary bravery during a terror attack.
What happened at the Heaton Park synagogue?
On October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur, an attacker armed with a knife forced his way into the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals before police intervened.
Why is Andrew Franks receiving a Pride of Britain Award?
He is receiving the Outstanding Bravery award for putting his own life on the line, confronting the attacker, tripping him, and warning worshippers to lock the doors, thereby saving hundreds of lives.
What injuries did Andrew Franks sustain?
He suffered severe stab wounds to his head, neck, spine, and face, resulting in nerve damage, skull and spinal fractures, and extensive blood loss that required emergency resuscitation.
When and where will the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards air?
The ceremony takes place at Grosvenor House in London and will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday, October 22, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo.
