A SOLIHULL girl who rushed to the aid of a stoke sufferer while white water rafting in Kenya has been recognised for her actions at Buckingham Palace.
Leticia Salmon, head girl at Solihull School, was commended for her outstanding contribution to society at a special event hosted by Princess Anne.
Leticia, who is also a sergeant in Solihull School’s CCF was an school trip and expedition when a major suffered a stroke.
Her quick thinking actions, identifying the stroke, meant she could call for additional assistance from other boats.
The major was then rushed on a two-hour trip to a hospital in Nairobi.
Lt Col Richard Ayres, who was in charge of the overall expedition, said Leticia was ‘a credit to her family, the CCF and her school’.
The young first aider was then invited to attend the Young Achievers Reception, an annual event primarily for St John Ambulance cadets who have made outstanding contributions to society using first aid training.
Leticia said: “For me, being recognised is not about me. It is about recognising the importance of first aid and the need for everyone to receive training – especially as I know that so many young people perform similar acts that go unacknowledged.
“Princess Anne took the time to speak to each of us individually, particularly the cadets from the CCF or ACF who had put first aid into real life practise.”