TWO youngsters who saved the life of their diabetic father have been recognised for their bravery.
Neil Sims’s life was hanging in the balance when he collapsed during the night at his home in Erskine Road, South Shields.
The 37-year-old was discovered the following morning drifting in and out of consciousness by his daughter Kyra, 11 and Neil Jnr, nine.
The pair immediately sprang into action, dialling 999 and answering a series of medical questions during the phonecall.
They managed to put their dad into the recovery position and feed him sugary cereal after acting on the advice of North East Ambulance Servce call handler Brian Emberson, who presented the youngsters with certificates in recognition of their bravery in an emotionally-charged meeting at tattooist Mr Sims’s place of work, Incredible Body Art in Westoe Village.
Mr Sims, who has been a diabetic for 30 years, said: “I am so proud of them and seeing them being presented with certificates – it really choked me.
“It was absolutely brilliant, and Brian the call handler was really nice. It was great for them to meet each other. It was quite emotional – especially when I found out Brian had actually came out during his own time to meet them.
“He said himself he was proud of the way they had conducted themselves – in fact, the whole ambulance service was.”
A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: “Kyra and Neil junior were fantastic on the day of the incident, and thoroughly deserve their certificates.
“Despite finding themselves in a very traumatic situation, they did everything asked of them by the call handler.
“Kyra passed on in detail what was happening around her at a time when her dad could not speak, and kept him awake by talking to him.
“Neil was terrific too. Both showed a maturity way beyond their years. It’s no wonder their dad is so proud of them.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazlisa
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