Salvation Army Booth House resident honoured for heroic act in Swindon

Krystal Fishlock, a resident at The Salvation Army’s Swindon Booth House, never expected to become a local hero. 

Shy, reserved, and often hesitant to draw attention to herself, she describes her actions on that March evening as something "anyone would do." But on 4 June, the Wiltshire Police Force Awards ceremony told a different story—honouring her with a Bravery Award for intervening in a harrowing kidnap attempt on a 17-year-old girl.   

"I’ve lived through domestic violence. I know how it affects you," Krystal told her support worker, Tim Swinburn, after the incident. "When I saw that young girl screaming, I just couldn’t allow it to happen."   

What began as an ordinary walk home turned into a moment of extraordinary courage. Hearing cries for help, Krystal rushed toward the sound and found a teenage girl on the ground, a man attempting to drag her away. Ensuring the girl’s safety first, Krystal then pursued the suspect, discreetly recording him on her phone—evidence that would prove critical for police. 

Tim said, "I said to her, Krystal, why? why put yourself in danger? But she told me, my mothering instinct took over. That’s who she is—someone who steps up, even when she’s afraid."

The Wiltshire Police praised her quick thinking and selflessness, with the Chief Constable making a special effort to commend her personally. Yet Krystal remains characteristically humble.  

Tim said, "She doesn’t see herself as brave. But the truth is, in a room full of emergency personnel receiving awards that night, she was one of only two civilians recognised—and the only one who acted purely out of instinct."   

For Tim and the Booth House community, Krystal’s story is about more than a single act of heroism. It’s about resilience, the power of lived experience, and the quiet strength of someone rewriting their own narrative. A survivor of domestic violence and addiction, Krystal has faced immense challenges—yet that night, her focus was solely on protecting a stranger.   

 "People here have told her; we might not have done what you did—that was brave. But to her, it was simple: No one should suffer like I did."   

Now, as Krystal continues her journey toward stability—with hopes of reuniting with her two young children, aged six and five, and eventually moving into her own home—her story serves as a reminder that courage often wears an ordinary face.   

Tim said, "Krystal’s act shows exactly what Booth House stands for—looking past the addiction and valuing the person beneath. Here, we remind our residents they’re part of the community, capable of extraordinary things. When others celebrated her, it wasn’t just about courage; it was proof that everyone here has worth beyond their past."

Krystal’s journey at Booth House has been one of overcoming personal challenges, including alcohol addiction triggered by domestic violence in 2022 and separation from her children. 

The Salvation Army’s Booth House in Swindon is a 50-bed Lifehouse providing 24-hour direct access accommodation and resettlement support for single men and women over 18 experiencing homelessness often due to addiction, mental health challenges, or financial hardship. Residents receive practical support, including help with life skills, access to healthcare, and addiction recovery programs, in a safe and structured environment.  

The centre also offers employment guidance, budgeting advice, and emotional support, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Practical examples include work experience through social enterprises like The Sandwich People, which trains residents in food safety and customer service, and Recycles, a bike shop teaching mechanics. To learn more about Swindon Booth House and their programmes visit their website: Booth House Swindon Lifehouse | The Salvation Army.