Youngster rewarded for helping dad

The ambulance service paid a visit to Wivenhoe on Tuesday to commend a nine-year-old girl for using 999 responsibly.

Emily Berry, a pupil at Millfields Primary School in Bowes Road, was presented with a certificate by one of the Chelmsford HEOC call handlers Elaine Butler during morning assembly, in front of proud parents Jolyon and Gayle.

At about 9.10pm on September 13, the family were at home in Wivenhoe when Jolyon showed signs of having a fit. Gayle, 36, said: "It was a bolt completely out of the blue - Jolyon hadn't shown any earlier symptoms or signs and I wondered what was wrong."

It was clear that Jolyon, 39, needed emergency medical care - Gayle called on Emily to help out and she dialled 999. She explained to Elaine what the circumstances were, Jolyon's medical history and answered other questions - importantly, Emily was able to give clear information to Elaine to help ascertain what was happening.

The Weeley crew of Paul Crawford and Neil Weaver were on scene in about 10 minutes, and assessed Jolyon for a suspected stroke. He was taken to Colchester Hospital where he remained for a week.

Gayle added: "We were very, very lucky that we were all at home. Had it been earlier in the day when Jolyon was on his own, it would have been a different story."

Jolyon, a solicitor, is recovering well and hopes to return to work next week. He said: "I was completely unaware of what was happening - one moment I was watching TV, the next I was talking to Paul. The crew were great; they were very cool and calm.

"I'd like to give a very big thank you to all those who were able to help and give care.

"It's been great that the school has been involved to recognise Emily's efforts and also ensure the other children learn some lessons about using 999 in the right circumstances."

Emily, who has two younger brothers Xavier, seven, and Casper, six, said: "I'm really happy that my dad is getting better now. I'd like to say a really big thank you to Elaine and the ambulance crew for all their help."

Headteacher Janet Meacock added: "I want to say how proud we all are - staff and pupils - of Emily and we're delighted to share this with her. Jolyon is one our parent governors as well, so we're very pleased to see he's on his way to recovery."