Bravery award for hero boy who saved mum’s life

A 12-year-old boy has been given a bravery award for saving his mother’s life after she fainted behind the wheel on a major road.

Nicola Crump was travelling from Wales to the Birmingham Christmas markets with her son when she lost consciousness, with her foot remaining on the accelerator and the car’s speed increasing to nearly 60mph (97 km/h).

Zac, who was sitting in the passenger seat, took control of the car and guided it into the central reservation on the A40 near Ross-on-Wye.

Following the incident on 14 December, Zac was able to switch off the engine, call 999 and remain calm while giving the call handler the exact location of their car, West Mercia Police said.

The pair visited the force’s headquarters in Hindlip, Worcestershire, on Wednesday where he was presented with a Chief Constable’s Commendation award.

They were given a tour and had the chance to reconnect with the officers that responded to the scene.

His mother, who is from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, said: “It’s been incredible, I’m just so proud of him and I’m so appreciative of the effort that everyone has gone through to make such a fuss of Zac.”

After receiving the award, the boy said: “Even to this day, I don’t see it as a big deal but from other people’s perspective it is.”

The Chief Constable Commendation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional bravery, outstanding courage and actions that go beyond what is normally expected.

West Mercia Chief Constable Richard Cooper told BBC Hereford and Worcester: “Zac deserves every bit of recognition that we can give him. The way that he behaved in that moment when his mum really needed him and other road users needed him was absolutely amazing.

“I was so impressed with what Zac did and I just wanted to make sure that we gave him a treat to recognise that.”