First Great Western gives VIP treatment to 11 year-old life saver

An 11-year-old girl from Redruth who brought her father back to life when he stopped breathing has been given the VIP treatment by First Great Western.

Nominated for a St John Ambulance First Aid Award, Maria Rowe and her family were invited to attend an award ceremony in London after the youngster saved her dad’s life. But the family couldn’t afford the cost of the trip.

On hearing the news, First Great Western offered to provide complimentary First Class transport for the Rowe’s and, working with the Leisure PassGroup, were also able to offer three London Passes allowing free entry to over 60 top attractions.

FGW General Manager West of England Julian Crow said:

“When a young girl like Maria has such presence of mind to remember her first aid training and bring her father back from the brink – and you hear that the family cannot afford the trip to London, it is a privilege to be able to provide tickets for them to travel.”

Maria, from Redruth, was guided by a 999-call operator as she performed CPR on her dad John. On the third cycle of resuscitation Mr Rowe, 65, started to breathe again before an ambulance crew arrived and took over treatment.

The Leisure Pass Group’s Lyndsey Kirk said:

“The Leisure Pass Group is delighted to offer Maria and her parents London Passes to allow them to visit some of London's wonderful attractions. We hope Maria enjoys her very well deserved trip to the capital.”

The St John’s Ambulance First Aid Awards were held at the Lancaster Hotel on Monday 19 November. Maria was one of five finalists shortlisted for the Guy Evans Award.