Lifesaver Maya, 5, in spotlight for fashion fundraiser

ALITTLE girl from Burscough received the biggest applause of the night when she took part in a Help for Heroes fashion show.

Five-year-old Maya Turner was the star of the show because her quick thinking probably saved the life of her mum, Michelle.

Maya became the first child model to take to the catwalk at the annual Phoenix House fashion show in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Last year, Michelle had drawn a picture of an ambulance with 999 written on, explained it to Maya, and then left it by the phone, hoping it would never be needed.

But, when Michelle collapsed at home, little Maya remembered the note and dialled the number.

Even better, at the age of just four, she was also able to tell the operator her address and, despite being very upset and frightened, stayed on the phone for seven minutes until the paramedics arrived to help Michelle.

A tearful Maya told ambulance operator Sam Murfin: “My mummy’s falled over. “She’s still on the floor.” At the time, Michelle was stationed at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, and the family home was in nearby North Hykeham. As a result of her bravery, Maya was presented with a special East Midlands Ambulance Service Child of Courage medal.

The family has since moved to Burscough, and RAF Sergeant Michelle has left the service because of a medical syndrome that means she can never be left alone.

Michelle said: “Maya blew us away with her bravery and she probably saved her own life, too, because there was food burning in the oven.

“Hopefully, our story can remind others to teach their children about calling 999 – no matter their age.

“Maya is overjoyed with how kind people have been and says she loves living here in Burscough.”