Royal celebration for lifesaver Suzie
GIRL GETS TV AWARD
A QUICK-THINKING young girl’s phone call saved her mum’s life – and might even keep the Royal family safe in future.
Little ‘ superhero’ Suzie McCash was four years old when mum Rowena collapsed after suffering a life-threatening allergic reaction last year.
Cool, calm and collected Suzie called paramedics, found her mum’s medicine and even walked to a neighbour’s house to try and get help.
Paramedics arrived and were able to treat Rowena, who works as a GP, for anaphylactic shock, saving her life.
Suzie’s swift actions won her the Child of Courage prize, at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Last week, Suzie and her family, from Tynemouth, were invited to the glitzy ceremony.
Surrounded by famous faces, Suzie’s bravery stood out, and led to a very special meeting with Prince William.
Proud mum Rowena said: “It was incredibly surreal, at times it felt like I was in Madame Tussauds.
“She met some truly inspirational people, it was a nice event to take a young girl to especially, because she met some very inspirational women.
“Prince William was really charming, and very, very sweet with her.
“He acted as if no one else was there, and it made her feel very special, that was the highlight for her.
“They chatted about the call and the fact that he was going to tell his children about it and teach them phone.
“She took it all in her stride. She didn’t know who all the celebrities were, but the people we were sitting with were very charming to her.
“She was quite taken with Paul Hollywood – she’s insisted we go and buy his book so we can bake something from it.”
For the McCash family, the “wonderful” experience has helped them to process what was a terrifying day for all of them.
“It was obviously quite an emotional time for us, remembering what happened,” Rowena said.
“When she looks back on it now, she’s really very proud, it’s helped her process it.
“We’ve changed a lot of things, because although Suzie did very well and we are so proud of her, we don’t ever want her to be in that situation again.
“My health condition remains, and we’ve got to carry on and live every day.
“She was so brave – but you don’t want your children to have to be brave.”
Since the incident, the family have spoken with other parents with allergies or other conditions about how to make sure your child knows what to do in an emergency.
Rowena said: “Her teacher has been calling her superhero Suzie, and she’s really looking forward to taking her award in to show her friends.
“She’s rightly proud of herself and she’s looking forward to being on the television.”
The awards broadcast on Tuesday. Suzie with Prime Minister Theresa May to use will ITV the be on