Two young sisters have been given a bravery award by police top brass for saving their mum’s life after she had a seizure while driving.
Nine-year-old Lily Barber and her young sister Eva, 6, called 999 when 41-year-old mum Claire Barber blacked out on the A580 East Lancs Road.
Claire was driving her two girls from Wigan to Boothstown at the time, but was forced to pull over on the side of the road when she was hit by the medical episode.
Despite the fact their mum was unconscious the girls didn’t panic and were able to tell the police emergency call handler where they were, which direction they were travelling, what car they were in, and their mum’s medical history.
Listen to the 999 call here
All of this helped police located the car and get the three to safety.
Lily and Eva met Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable last night at the police’s annual awards ceremnony to pick up their Public Bravery Award.
Claire Barber said: “I am so proud of my girls for their actions on that day and for winning this award.
“I have always taught them at young age what to do in an emergency and I’m so proud that they acted upon it.
“I was even more impressed with the way that Lily and Eva listened to the call handler and to each other while it was happening, even staying in the car when I’m sure all they wanted to do was grab me and keep me safe.
“I would also like to say thank you to the call handler for keeping the girls so calm – they must have been so scared and you really helped make it a bit easier for them.”
(L-R) Eva Barber, Stephanie Baxter, Ian Hopkins, Lily Barber, Claire Barber
Call handler Stephanie Baxter, who has only worked for GMP for around 18 months, was also recognised for the way that she handled the call and directed officers to the family’s car.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Lily and Eva showed real bravery and maturity when they must have been really scared about what was happening”.
“Thankfully, their mum had taught them what to do in the event of an emergency and, thanks to their quick thinking and calmness we were able to get help to them as quickly as possible.
“It was a real privilege to meet Lily and Eva and present them with a Chief Constable’s Commendation. They are impressive young ladies and should be very proud of what they did.”
