HEROIC police officer Pete McBrown has been nominated for a police commendation for rescuing inspirational Witley charity founder Dan Eley, who is disabled from the shoulders down, from a flash flood near Milford last Thursday night.

Mr McBrown, who lives in Liphook, is one of Waverley’s fast response team officers.

He happened to be returning from a call-out nearby, just after Dan’s mother had called 999 when the engine of the specially adapted wheelchair vehicle she was driving her son in broke down

She was left fearing they could be overturned by the force of the water and possibly end up drowning.

Mrs Eley was driving her son, founder of the Dan Eley Foundation and London Olympics torchbearer, back to Hydon Hill Cheshire Home at 10.30pm, following an official engagement at Loseley Park, when a violent storm hit and the road near Milford station turned into a raging river.

“It was terrifying,” she told The Herald.

“We had just reached Hambledon crossroads when a wall of water came down the hill in front of me and went right over the windscreen. I couldn’t see a thing.

“The car stopped because it has a lowered ramp and the exhaust flooded.

“I thought we were going to be swept away. It was like Dante’s Hell with all the thunder and lightning.

“I called 999 and Godalming fire crew came out in minutes but they didn’t know if they could transfer Dan in his wheelchair because they didn’t have a hoist facility.

“It all seemed hopeless and then something wonderful happened.

“A real-life ‘Robo Cop’ appeared with all the right gear.

“Pc Pete McBrown was driving a Land Rover that could tow our vehicle and he pulled it out of the flood and up to Hydon Hill, where the firefighters were able to carry Dan and his wheelchair out.

“It was amazing. We went from being in fear of our lives to compete safety in 20 minutes thanks to Pc McBrown, who didn’t even know about the 999 call, and the firefighters.

“I’m so impressed by our emergency services, and I’ve written to Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro to nominate Pc McBrown for a commendation.”

Waverley Inspector Mark Bridge said: “It is truly heartwarming to receive such praise about one of our officers, who was just doing his job but who has obviously left a lasting impression on Mrs Eley in her hour of need.

“Although we expect consistently high standards from all our officers and staff, it is always nice to be recognised and appreciated for what we do.”

Godalming firefighter Chris Dean said: “We were only to pleased to help. I was driving the fire engine and know how bad the road and weather conditions were

“It was like a river by the time we arrived at the location.

“We were all glad that Carolyn and her son were okay. And thanks for Carolyn’s kind word – I will pass them on to the rest of the crew.”