A young hero from Warminster has been awarded a medal for rushing into action when her mum fell down the stairs.
Eleanor O’Donnell turned into a ‘little paramedic’ when the accident took place.
The nine-year-old had been at home with mum Jessica and younger brother Daniel when her mum tripped on a strip of loose carpet and tumbled down a full flight of stairs.
Without hesitation, Eleanor sprung into action, calmly asking her mum where she was in pain and getting her to count how many fingers she was holding up.
She then reassured her younger brother, who was panicked and upset by what had happened, before calling her dad, Daniel, who was at work as a Corporal for the Royal Dragoon Guards in Warminster.
Once recovered, Jessica nominated her daughter for the Little Trooper of the Month Award, which is run by the national charity Little Troopers. The award recognises military children who have gone above and beyond or been especially brave and resilient.
Eleanor will receive a special Little Troopers medal to wear, as well as a gift voucher and certificate from the charity.
Proud mum
Eleanor’s mum Jessica said, “I’m so proud of how Eleanor handled the situation on the day. She was like a little paramedic.
“She has always been mature for her age, perhaps because as a military family we have moved house seven times since she was born and coped with her dad being away a lot for work, but she really surprised us with how confident and calm she was throughout the whole thing.
“It’s wonderful that she has been recognised by the charity for her actions and she’s excited to show her medal to her classmates in school.”
Speaking about her award win, Eleanor said, “I am extremely proud of myself for being Little Trooper of the Month”
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, adds, “Eleanor is without doubt an amazing little trooper who truly deserves to be recognised for her actions. We hope she wears her medal with pride.”
Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces. The charity provides resources for use at home and in school, as well as running special projects such as family reconnection weekends. The Little Trooper of the Month award scheme is sponsored by technology group, Thales.
