Sadness and pride as Leah collects bravery award

Oct 13 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A YOUNGSTER'S joy at being given a bravery award was tinged with sadness as she faced her mum's funeral the next day.

Nine-year-old Leah Grant from Linlithgow was presented with a Brave@Heart Award by First Minister Alex Salmond for helping her mum, Grace get medical help after she suffered a seizure.

But tragically Grace passed away before last Tuesday's ceremony took place and her funeral was held on Wednesday.

Leah's dad Bobby said grace knew about her daughter's award and was delighted with her success.

He said: "The seizure which Grace suffered was the first sign of her being ill and she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"We had known for a few months that Leah was going to get this award and Grace was very proud of her."

The Linlithgow Primary pupil was at home alone with Grace in November 2009, when Grace took ill.

Leah, then aged seven, managed to keep calm, check her mum was still breathing and dialled 999 for help, staying on the line and providing information that allowed the emergency services to treat Grace immediately.

Bobby said he was pleased Leah has been given the award and said she has shown real courage in dealing with the loss of her mum.

He added: "The way Leah has behaved during this whole time has been amazing.

"I've been calling her my wee Braveheart."

Leah was among five people from West Lothian to receive a Brave@Heart award.

David Morton (38), Aaron Love (15), William Hill (61) and Constable Graeme Henderson (28), were also presented with their awards last week.

Aaron Love (15) from Livingston, jumped into a stretch of water at Oakbank Industrial Estate, after being stopped by a girl whose brother and sister were in difficulty.

Aaron pulled the children out of the water, making sure they were uninjured.

Speaking just after the rescue, the teenager said: “I had noticed three children playing on a log when I cycled past the first time, but when I was heading back home, the oldest girl was shouting for help and asking if anyone could swim.

“I cycled over, dropped my bike and saw her sister in the water and dived in and swam out to her.

“As I got there, I could feel that there was someone else under the water around my waist.

“I reached down and got hold of the boy and took him back first because he’d been under the water, then I got the girl out.

However, he was modest about his life-saving actions.

Aaron said: “It was really a reflex action and I was in the water almost before I thought about it.

“I felt I was in the position where I had to do something because I have a wee brother and sister and, if it had been them, I would hope someone would have saved them.”

David Morton (38) from Livingston, was also presented with a Brave@Heart award.

He ran to the aid of a police officer being attacked by a member of the public in a crowded street.

With David’s help, police were able to restrain and arrest the suspect.

Local hero, William Hill (61) from Whitburn, was also presented with his accolade by he First Minister after catching an armed robber.

William was working in a local shop when it was robbed by a man carrying a knife.

He chased after the thug and took the knife away before police arrived, helping prevent any other members of the public being hurt.

Also presented with an accolade was PC Graeme Henderson (38) from West Lothian, who ran into a burning building to rescue a woman and her young family who were believed to be inside.

He found the woman and carried her to safety, where she was treated for the effects of smoke.

The children were found not to be staying in the house and were safe and well elsewhere.

First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute to all the heroes as they received their awards.

He said: “The Brave@Heart Awards recognise and celebrate people who have shown exceptional bravery – people like Leah Grant, Aaron Love, David Morton, William Hill and Graeme Henderson.

“Some have battled the elements to save others, some have intervened to stop a criminal in the act and others have shown life-saving presence of mind.

“What they have in common is that each and every one of them has shown remarkable courage.

“Each of the five Brave@Heart award winners from West Lothian, just like the other winners, has risen to the challenge of the unexpected and shown the capacity to face and overcome danger in any number of forms.

“They are all heroes and it is my privilege to present them with their awards.”