A WORCESTER woman who risked her life to save a man who plunged to the ground in front of her car has had an award upgraded by the Royal Humane Society.

Sandra Rafi was driving along the M40's fast lane on Tuesday, March 14, when miraculously, she avoided hitting a man who had plummeted 60ft from a motorway bridge above.

In June, she was told she would receive a Certificate of Commendation after she managed to shield the man's bleeding body from other motorists on the stretch of motorway near Warwick.

Now, in a rare move, the Royal Humane Society has decided to award Mrs Rafi with a higher award.

The 34-year-old grabbed her first-aid box and attempted to resuscitate Timothy Roberts, who had no pulse. Despite her efforts he never regained consciousness.

Mrs Rafi, a medical representative, was unaware of her award being upgraded and said she was very surprised.

"I can't believe it really," she said. "I'm pleased but it's a difficult situation because it was such a sad incident. I don't see my self as someone who was courageous.

"I was coming back from a meeting when I saw activity on the bridge. I thought it was a police speed check but, the next minute, I saw the man fall to the ground."

Announcing the upgrading of the award, Christopher Tyler, secretary of the Royal Humane Society said: "Sandra Rafi's actions were extremely courageous.

"It was an horrific incident to witness and then act as she did took real courage.

"It is for this reason that we have looked at this particular award again and have decided that a certificate of commendation was insufficient and that the award in this case should be a testimonial on parchment."

No date has yet been fixed for the presentation of the award, which has been made on the recommendation of Chief Constable, John Burbeck, but it is likely to be made in the near future.

Mrs Rafi said she will be present at Mr Roberts' inquest in Leamington Spa, next week.