London

Prince Charles will honour a British-Indian delivery van driver with the ‘Pride of Britain Award’ after he risked his life to save others.

Dee Patel, 49, being hailed a “hero”, will receive the award in the outstanding bravery category in a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House here.

On May 18, Patel loaded up his van and set off on a routine job when he was faced with a terrifying life-or-death situation when he spotted a car ahead of him that was dangerously out of control on the M25 motorway.

Patel sprang into action after realising that the driver, a young woman, was unconscious and a high-speed pile-up seemed inevitable.

“I saw that there was nobody in control of the vehicle.

She was slumped over the steering wheel.

“As she came back across she ended up right in front of me. I instantly saw what I needed to do– I had to slow her down,” Patel was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

“Instead of a multi-vehicle collision with potential serious injuries, it has ended up with no injuries and just damage to vehicles which can be repaired or replaced thanks to your quick thinking,” Police said praising Patel’s courage.

Founded in 1999, the ‘Pride of Britain Awards’ are presented to the country’s unsung heroes. The winners are decided by a panel of distinguished judges and is jointly supported by the Daily Mirror, Lidl, ITV, Daybreak and the Prince’s Trust.

The award presentation ceremony will be held tonight.

PTI