A NOTTS tourist has been hailed a "guardian angel" after catching a toddler falling from a balcony in Florida and saving her life.
Helen Beard was relaxing by the pool when she saw 16-month-old Jah-Nea Myles dangling through a fourth-floor balcony railing at the Orlando holiday resort she was staying in.
The 44-year-old ran to the spot directly beneath the toddler, who is believed to have hit the balcony below as she fell.
Mrs Beard broke Jah-Nea's fall before she slipped from her arms to the ground, according to police reports.
A state official called the rescue a "miracle".
On Friday, the Orange County's Sheriff Office will present Mrs Beard, of Park Street, Worksop, who was reportedly on holiday with her husband and two children, with an award in recognition of her heroic actions, as reported in the Orlando Sentinel.
Jah-Nea's 20-year-old mother, Helena Myles said her daughter escaped the fall unharmed.
"She's perfectly fine. Not a scratch on her body," said Ms Myles.
"I'm thanking the Lord above right now for saving my child's life.
"I'm also thanking that lady because she was an angel sent from heaven."
The drama unfolded at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, which is close to the Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks, shortly after 11pm on Wednesday.
Jah-Nea was taken to hospital following the incident but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Ms Myles and Jah-Nea, who live in Longwood, near Orlando, were staying at the resort in adjoining rooms with friends from North Carolina.
She said she had left her child in the care of her friends, who did not notice that Jah-Nea had slipped out of their room until they heard screaming.
Police have said no charges are pending but an investigation has been launched by the Florida Department Of Children and Families.
Ms Myles added: "I'm not upset with anyone. I've had it out with my friends.
"But other than that, I'm thanking God right now that my child's here."
Carrie Hoeppner, of the Florida Department Of Children And Families, confirmed the investigation.
"We do have an open investigation into the fall," she said.
"That is understandable given the severity and the potential for harm to the child and the fact that she fell four storeys."
She also said the inquiry was not focusing on Jah-Nea's mother but that the issue of "supervision" had to be looked at.
She add that the rescue was a "miracle."
She added: "I spoke to Helen this morning, this child's guardian angel.
"She had already been phoned by a number of friends back home who had seen the story.
"It just goes to show heroes are just normal people who are capable of doing extraordinary things."
Worksop South Councillor Christopher Wanless was amazed by the rescue.
"I just think it's absolutely amazing someone can keep so calm in such a situation and do such a heroic act," he said.
"There was obviously a lot of panic around and she kept so calm and for her to be so calm afterwards is wonderful.
"The award is well deserved and I am sure that the people of Worksop and Bassetlaw will applaud what she's done."
 |  |
Annuities Switzerland BBC UK security and terrorism Post-traumatic stress disorder New Orleans
No comments:
Post a Comment