From festive board to first aid: ‘Super Mart’ saves the day

A Burns Night dinner took an unexpected turn when a quick-thinking Essex Freemason turned an awkward moment into a story of calm courage

What began as an evening of ceremony, conviviality and a generous helping of haggis-adjacent hospitality nearly became memorable for all the wrong reasons. On Monday 26 January 2026, guests gathered at Kings Cross Chapter No. 1732 to celebrate an installation and enjoy a Burns Night festive board. Spirits were high, forks were busy, and no one suspected that dessert might arrive with a side of drama.

Halfway through the main course, one diner, Stuart Buckley, suddenly found himself in serious difficulty after a mouthful of beef stubbornly refused to go where it was meant to. Conversation faltered, chairs shifted, and the realisation dawned that this was no ordinary coughing fit.

Enter Martyn Tillett. Known among friends for his calm manner and dry humour, Martin also happens to be a highly trained NHS paramedic. Spotting the danger instantly, he stepped in with professional precision, performing the ‘Heimlich Manoeuvre’ that quickly cleared the obstruction. Within moments, normal service resumed, colour returned to cheeks, and Stuart was able to do what every Burns Night guest hopes for: finish his meal.

The incident earned Martyn an affectionate new nickname on the spot: ‘Super Mart’. He, however, was having none of it, later brushing off the praise as simply doing what anyone in his line of work is trained to do.

Stuart disagreed. Being aware of Martyn’s character, as both are members of the Sebelius Lodge No. 9448, he said, “Little did I know that one day I would literally have him to thank for saving me from serious injuries or even saving my life; I can’t thank him enough.”

Beyond the humour and the heroics, the moment captured something fundamental that Freemasons come from every walk of life, bringing with them the values and skills of their everyday professions. Whether at work or socialising, the commitment to helping others is the same.

Photos:

Top: Martyn Tillett in his paramedic uniform and below in his ‘Super Mart’ outfit