Bravery award for teenage stab attack saviour at Pride of Tipton awards
"Inside I was panicking but I just had to do it" - the words of inspirational teenager Faye Cartwright who came to the aid of a young girl after she was stabbed in a Black Country high street.
Faye rushed into action after hearing the 10-year-old's mother screaming for help, managing to stem the bleeding and keep the victim calm as they waited for paramedics to arrive.
The 16-year-old was out shopping in West Bromwich in December when she heard the commotion and said she just knew she had to help.
Faye's story was one of many told at the Pride of Tipton awards, honouring acts of bravery and people who go beyond the call of duty in other ways.
Lifesavers and community champions from the town were invited to an awards ceremony at the RSA Academy on Bilston Road.
Former RSA pupil Faye, who was given the Outstanding Bravery Award, said: "The mum came running and screaming saying her daughter was going to die. Everyone was crowding around, I raised her leg and wrapped my t-shirt around it and phoned an ambulance."
The young girl had been injured by a Stanley knife but details about what happened are not known. Faye was told her quick actions had helped save the victim's life.
She said: "I was just numb but I had to do it. It was all in the moment. Inside I was panicking but I had to keep control of this emotional little girl who was upset. She kept trying to close her eyes and I had to get her to stay with me. It is incredible to get an award."
Another lifesaver to be honoured on the night was Sheila Bridgen. She rushed to the rescue when her next door neighbour and friend Paula Beddoe suffered a cardiac arrest.
Sheila's husband Brian, who collected the award on her behalf, told of the shocking scene they arrived to.
He said: "I found Paula on the floor. She was gone. She was blue and couldn't breathe. I'd had a heart attack myself not long before so I went to get the wife. She got on the floor and started CPR. The colour started to come back to her face and she did that until the ambulance crew arrived."
Awards were also handed out to others who make a difference where they live.
Cancer survivor and fundraiser Sally Gutteridge collected the Inspirational Person award while John Lawley-Lees, who runs a sons of rest encouraging elderly men who live on their own to get out and socialise with others, was named Community Champion.
This year's main award, the Pride of Tipton, was given to Julie Lucarelli, who goes the extra mile in her community.
Most days, she can be found at St Paul's Community Centre in Brick Kiln Street, where she runs a luncheon club as well as karate classes.
The 48-year-old said: "I enjoy it. I really like working with old people. I'm really shocked at winning the award."
