The Hero/Knight in Shining Armour

Settling down to the evening news during the summer of 2020, I watched, in awe, as this strapping young black man hauled a vulnerable and desperate white man from a dangerous angry mob. Regardless of race, colour or creed and without fear for his own life he threw caution to the wind and rescued the white man during the Black Lives Matter protest in Central London. I didn’t catch the name of the knight in shining armour but the image stayed with me and he went on to became an instant hero and noted public figure.

Listening to the Jeremy Vine radio show six months later I heard our “hero” talking about that day. Now, I had a name to the fame and I wondered if he would like a portrait, free on this occasion, in recognition of his heroic act. I found him on Instagram and dared to pen him a message. I was overjoyed when he replied and said “Yes!” But how to meet? We were now in yet another blinking lockdown so Patrick sent good quality photos of himself and I chose one that I felt captured his gentleness and compassion. It would be many months before we could actually meet up and he would receive his portrait.