At MacIntyre, we’re proud to support incredible people who grow in confidence, skills and independence every day. One of those people is Ste from Greater Manchester — a man whose courage, compassion, and calmness in the face of emergency have made a real-life difference.
Volunteering
Ste volunteers at FoodCycle, a charity that serves hot meals and community connection to those who need it. He’s known by staff and fellow volunteers alike as someone who turns up, gets stuck in, and always brings a positive attitude. But what many didn’t know - until recently - is that Ste is also a lifesaver.
A moment of change
Over a year ago, Ste experienced a moment that changed everything. While at home, a support worker suddenly began having a severe asthma attack. Ste panicked at first - unsure what to do - but quickly picked up on the support worker’s gestures pointing to her bag.
Interpreting her mime of using an inhaler, Ste dashed to the bag, found the inhaler and helped her use it. He stayed with her until she was breathing normally again. No further medical attention was needed, but the situation deeply affected Ste.
First aid training
Motivated by the experience, Ste approached the then deputy manager where he lived and asked if he could become first aid trained, just in case something like that ever happened again. After lots of discussion and advocacy from the deputy manager, the area manager and the director, Ste was enrolled onto the next first aid course.
And he passed — with flying colours.
Fast forward to June 2025
What started as a normal day for Ste at FoodCycle turned into something unforgettable. While preparing the community meal, another volunteer began to feel unwell and suddenly slumped over.
Ste acted immediately - clearing the room to make space, helping the man into a chair, and recognising that something was very wrong.
The man began making gurgling sounds - a sign he could be choking. Ste calmly placed him into the recovery position, checked his airway, and carefully moved the man's tongue to ensure it was not blocking it. This helped the man breathe and cleared the fluid from his throat.
Ste stayed by his side until the ambulance arrived.
The cause? The man had experienced an epileptic seizure. Thanks to Ste’s quick thinking and first aid training, the outcome could not have been better.
A modest hero
Incredibly, Ste never even mentioned the incident to his MacIntyre team. It was only when FoodCycle staff spoke to his support worker that the full story emerged.
Everyone at MacIntyre is beyond proud of Ste, not just for what he did, but for who he is.
The deputy manager who helped Ste get his first aid training is now the Frontline Manager for the area and still works closely with him. They shared this heartfelt statement:
I remember how determined Ste was to get first aid trained after the asthma incident. Seeing that experience come full circle and knowing he’s saved someone’s life is just incredible. I’ve always believed in Ste and he’s proved, once again, what’s possible when someone’s given the chance to learn and grow. We’re all so proud of him.
Ste may not see himself as a hero, but we do. And thanks to his actions, someone else is here today who might not have been.
