Crane operator who saved worker from burning building in Reading dies
Glen Edwards, from Surrey, was hailed a hero for the daring rescue
Last updated 11 hours ago
A crane operator who was hailed a hero after he lifted a man to safety from a burning building in Reading, has died.
Glen Edwards, from Surrey, was working at the Station Hill development when the large fire broke out in November 2023.
Edwards was hailed a hero for the daring rescue and was praised heavily by the public and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
At the time he told the PA news agency: "I was no more than 20 metres up in the air and I looked out my left-hand window and saw a guy standing on the corner of the building.
"I'd only just seen him and someone said 'can you get the cage on', so that was it, I got the cage on and got it over to him the best I could. It was quite windy conditions."
He added: "I would say it was a very close call, if you look at the video at the way the wind was swirling around there.
"I tried to put the cage down between him and the flames, but I was hampered by the wind swirling around there.
"But I got the cage down and I managed to get him in there."
Sadly, Glen, who was in his 60s, was forced to retire from his job as a tower crane operator after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Throughout 2025 he was supported by the charity the Berkshire based charity Bucket List Wishes.
They helped Glen and his family furnish a new home with new carpets, flooring, blinds and kitchen essentials.
His final wish was a sea fishing trip which took place in October 2025.
In a post on social media on Tuesday (31 March) Bucket List Wishes revealed that Glen had passed away:
"We’re utterly heartbroken to share this sad news with you all that this very special man and local Hero Glen, lost his final and brave battle yesterday
"A huge thank you again to everyone who helped, supported and enabled us to grant Glen’s Wish last year. We did it in two parts and we know he was so grateful to us for everything we arranged.
"It was truly an honour and a real joy for us to know him. We kept in touch regularly and we will miss him so much!
"Our love and thoughts today are with his beloved wife, his lovely son and his much loved doggie.
"You will be missed by many Glen, sleep well lovely man and rest in eternal peace."
"You will always hold a special place in our hearts and remain a true hero."