Courage on and off the pitch - Alicia Targett honoured with Bravery Award

Alicia Targett, a forward for Cobham Rugby Club’s Under 16 girls, was recently recognised with a special bravery award at the Surrey Air Cadets Annual Awards Night. The award acknowledged not only Alicia’s courage and quick thinking, but also credited the strength, discipline and instinct she has developed through her rugby training at Cobham.

Alicia Targett (right) pictured after a match for Cobham

Corporal Targett, of 1034 Surbiton and Esher Squadron — known to her teammates simply as

Alicia or “No. 3” — demonstrated extraordinary composure in a life-threatening situation late last year.

While travelling home from school in the run-up to Christmas, Alicia was changing trains at Weybridge station when she noticed a woman on the platform who appeared distressed. Although smartly dressed, the woman was talking to herself and behaving unusually. As a fast train approached, the situation escalated suddenly. The woman moved towards the edge of the platform, attempting to jump onto the tracks.

Without hesitation, Alicia reacted. She sprinted forward and physically blocked the woman, using what the RAF awards compère later described as “the strength and instinct she’s developed as a scrum forward at Cobham Rugby Club.” Alicia held her back until another member of the public stepped in to assist. With no railway staff present, Alicia then ran upstairs to alert authorities and ensure help was on the way.

The incident understandably left Alicia shaken — not only by what had happened, but by the fact that several bystanders failed to intervene. She later reflected on how others remained on their phones, unsure why no one else stepped forward to help someone so clearly in need, particularly at such a time of year.

In recognising her actions, the awards citation stated: “In that moment, Alicia showed remarkable bravery, courage and acted without hesitation to protect a stranger’s life.”

The RAF representatives added: “We’re incredibly proud that Corporal Alicia Targett is one of Surrey Wing’s finest.”

Alicia has only been playing rugby for three seasons, having joined Cobham Rugby Club at Under 14 level. In that short time, she has fully embraced the sport — gaining not just physical strength and game awareness, but also confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging. Her development on the pitch has clearly translated into real-world resilience and decision making under pressure.

Although Alicia has been sidelined for much of this season due to a hip ligament injury, she is now recovering steadily and looking forward to rejoining her teammates next season. She is especially excited to take part in the upcoming Cobham Girls Rugby Tour, where she’ll once again be part of the team environment she values so highly — enjoying both the rugby and the

camaraderie that comes with it.