LITTLE Heather Stirzaker brought more than just a bit of luck to her mum - she saved her life!

For when the brave nine-year-old saw her epileptic mum struggling for life at the bottom of a swimming pool - she dived in to pull her to the top.

"She was brilliant. She saved my life," said mum Deborah. "If it wasn't for Heather I wouldn't be here today. She risked her own life to save me."

What started out as family fun day out last August for the 31-year-old and daughters Heather and seven-year-old Charlene turned to almost tragedy. Deborah was in the pool at Fulwood Leisure Centre when she was struck by an epileptic fit and plunged to the bottom. She said: "I was drowning, but helpless to do anything about it. People must have thought I was messing about. But Heather recognised straight away I was having a fit and knew exactly what to do."

Now Heather, who goes to St Joseph's Primary School, Preston, has picked up a top Lifesaver of the Year award from the Royal Life Saving Society.

But shy Heather, now ten, said: "I didn't have time to think, I just jumped in. I knew I had to get her out."

Heather regularly helps others.as a volunteer with the mental health charity, Mencap, in Preston.

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