Big Issue vendor Istvan is a great representative not only for The Big Issue but also for his community. Istvan recently hit the headlines when he managed to save a young girl and her father who fell into the river opposite his pitch on the Half-Penny Bridge in Bath. Aside from his quick thinking, life saving antics Istvan has been a vital member of the area and has received the much coveted Mayor’s Citizen Award in recognition of his heroics and appreciation of his positive attitude and ability to brighten up the streets of Bath.
Big Issue vendor Istvan is a great representative not only for The Big Issue but also for his community. Istvan recently hit the headlines when he managed to save a young girl and her father who fell into the river opposite his pitch on the Half-Penny Bridge in Bath. Aside from his quick thinking, life saving antics Istvan has been a vital member of the area and has received the much coveted Mayor’s Citizen Award in recognition of his heroics and appreciation of his positive attitude and ability to brighten up the streets of Bath.
Big Issue volunteer Lucinda who nominated Istvan for the award said, ‘Whilst his recent heroics may have dramatically increased his profile within Bath, he has long been an important member of the community. The selflessness and bravery that he showed recently has definitely marked him out as a worthy winner of the Citizen’s Award, but his long-term work within the community, and daily contributions of good-will and cheerfulness, must be taken into consideration, too!’
Whilst local Police Officer Gemma Kirby who attended the awards with Istvan commented ‘Whatever the weather he greets people with his friendly smile and a cheerful hello. He takes great pride in keeping his pitch clean with the help of his trusty broom and occasional flower pots along the bridge. Istvan’s presence on Halfpenny Bridge is undoubtedly positive to the local community; he engages with all and asks for nothing in return. I am incredibly proud of Istvan for the way he conducts himself as a Big Issue seller and resident of Bath and he is thoroughly deserving of his recent accolade of Mayor’s Citizen.’
Read more about Istvan’s story here.
