Incredibly brave girls, 6 and 10, rush to keep grandad alive after falling ill
Two brave children who came to the rescue of their grandad and performed CPR on him have been praised for their quick thinking in trying to save his life.

Thalia and Adriyanna Spencer, who are just ten and six years old, had gone to their grandma and grandad’s after a last minute change of plan on August 1.

But when their grandfather Wilf collapsed, Thalia enlisted the help of Siri to ring 999 and call for an ambulance to their Norton home.

The ten-year-old performed CPR on her grandad with the help of call handlers while six-year old Adriyanna held their grandfather’s hand before running out to meet ambulance crews when they arrived minutes later.

Despite the crews’ best efforts, trying to save Wilf’s life for 45 minutes, he passed away. It is believed he had suffered a pulmonary embolism.

Thalia said: “In my head I was scared for Grandad and shocked, but despite that I wanted him to live so I tried my best to keep him breathing. I just wish he was still here.”

Now the children have been given bravery awards by the North East Ambulance service after being praised for their quick-thinking and efforts to save their grandad’s life.

999 and 111 call handler Lynsey who took the call nominated them for the award, recalling how bravely and maturely they handled distressing situation.

Lynsey said: “I’ve spoken to plenty of children during the time I’ve worked for the ambulance service, but no-one has ever impressed me the way Thalia has.

“It was clear I was speaking to a child, but I was floored by how mature and brave she was – she took that call better than most adults, she was amazing!

“She listened carefully to my instructions and did everything I asked of her without questioning.

The girls met with the paramedics who came to their grandad's aid. Back (L-R): Parents Virginia and Paul Spencer, clinical care assistant Peter Dawson, specialist paramedic Sean Storey. Front: L-R: paramedic Cheryl Lal, Thalia Spencer, Adriyanna Spencer, health advisor Lynsey McLaughlin

“Obviously the situation was really distressing but she managed to keep a calm, cool head on her and she obviously carried out brilliant chest compressions because the crew got a rhythm which is really rare.

“Once I learned that she was only 10, I really felt that she and her sister deserved some recognition and praise for their bravery and maturity in that awful situation. Thalia and Adriyanna experienced something really shocking and frightening, yet they worked together and did their very best for their grandad. They were absolute superstars and acted superbly.”

The girls have also been commended by clinical care assistant Peter Dawson who was one of the first on the scene.

He said: “Once we had taken over, Thalia kept saying sorry as she didn't believe she had done it hard enough and it broke my heart.

“She did the absolute best she could to give her grandad the best chance of survival and she should be so proud of herself. To think that these girls were so calm and did what they did was amazing.””

The girls’ father, Paul, added: “Dad was 80 and had had three bypasses and a stroke; he was a fighter and I know would have fought to stay alive. He would be massively proud of Thalia and Adriyanna, as are we all.”