Brighton cave diver presented with medal for bravery by Queen
British cave diver John Volanthen was presented with the George Medal for rescuing those trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand, following an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.
The medal is given for 'acts of great bravery'.
British cave divers Rick Stanton and John Volanthen were the first on the scene where the 12 boys were discovered in a cave in July last year.
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Hide AdIt sparked a huge rescue operation which led to all 12 boys and their football coach being saved.
Both were awarded with George Medals for 'their remarkable efforts in the rescue'.
Their colleagues Christopher Jewell and Jason Mallinson were also awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
Mr Volanthen, who was presented with the award yesterday, grew up in Brighton and went to Longhill High School.
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Hide AdHe now lives in Bristol and works as an IT techinician, alongside his work with The British Cave Rescue Council.
At the time of the rescue, Longhill High School said: “Great news that the boys and their coach, trapped in a cave in Thailand, have been found alive. Proud to learn that John Volanthen, a world class cave rescuer & the first rescuer to speak to them, is an ex student of @LonghillSchool. We wish them a safe and speedy rescue mission.”