Teenager Honored by Princess Anne for Saving Mother’s Life

A teenage caregiver who saved his mother’s life is scheduled to receive an honour from Princess Anne at an upcoming special awards event. Dylan, a St John Ambulance cadet from Westbury, Wiltshire, was in his room during August when his mother, Trudi, collapsed on the lower floor following an error with her medication. The 16-year-old, whose mother suffers from multiple autoimmune conditions, discovered her unconscious and prone on the floor. He then contacted 999 and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “I can’t explain how scared I was and how stressful it was knowing that I might not ever be able to see or speak to my mum again,” Dylan said. “It was truly the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced, and without St John I would have no clue what I was doing,” he added. Paramedics informed Trudi that Dylan, who was 15 years old at the time, had preserved her life by performing CPR. Dylan, officially registered as his mother’s carer, had commenced his training with St John’s Ambulance in April, merely four months prior to the event. “I believe without St John, my mum wouldn’t be here anymore. They gave me the confidence to act in the face of danger,” he also remarked. Trudi recounted that she had started crying uncontrollably and was “crying like mad” upon comprehending her son’s actions. “I’ve always been a single parent with him, which is why our relationship is so close,” she said. Dylan is scheduled to be recognized later, alongside other young individuals who saved lives, at St John Ambulance’s yearly Young Achievers awards ceremony, with Princess Anne in attendance. For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.