A BRAVE six-year-old girl saved her little sister's life by pushing her out of the way of an on-coming car.
Acting on instinct, Ramona Gibbs put herself in danger and suffered life-threatening injuries to keep three-year-old Trixie safe.
Yesterday, West Town Lane pupil Ramona received a Children and Young People's award from Avon and Somerset police for the courage she showed.
The ceremony at the force's Portishead HQ celebrated the outstanding achievements of children from across the region.
A total of 55 nominations were received for the third annual awards, and seven winners were presented with trophies, certificates and a donation from the Somerset Crime Beat Trust.
Last July 16, Ramona and Trixie, now seven and four, were playing on their scooters on the pavement outside their home in Imperial Walk, Knowle, when an 94-year-old driver who was manoeuvring in the road accidently stepped on the accelerator and mounted the pavement.
After pushing her sister out of the way, Ramona was pinned between the woman's car and a parked Land Rover before being pulled out by a neighbour. She was rushed to Bristol Children's Hospital and admitted to intensive care, suffering from liver and lung damage, a broken leg and rib, a bruised pelvis, a damaged knee and internal bleeding.
After 16 days in hospital she returned home, but since the accident has had five operations, including plastic surgery on her knee.
Although her knee may never be the same again, Ramona is back enjoying the hobbies she loves – tennis, trampolining and swimming.
Trixie suffered a bump on the head during the terrifying incident but was given the all-clear by doctors.
Ramona said: "All I can remember is the bit when I was in between the cars. I can't remember pushing Ramona out of the way."
Her heroics only came to light when Trixie, not realising what her older sister was trying to do, complained: "Ramona pushed me".
Proud parents Sally and Chris were there to see Ramona collect her award.
"It's really amazing what Ramona did – it must have been pure instinct," said Mrs Gibbs, 44. "If it was not for her, Trixie would have been killed.
"Trixie remembers there as an accident and that Ramona was very badly hurt. She also remembers being pushed by Ramona which is the reason we know how it happened. I remember her saying that Ramona had pushed her. She was actually quite cross about it – she didn't realise that Ramona had done something that had saved her life."
Mr Gibbs, 46, added: "We are also proud of Ramona for being so stoic and calm throughout such a horrific ordeal. She was amazing."
The car driver was convicted of driving without due care and attention and surrendered her licence, which Mr Gibbs believes highlights the need for compulsory re-testing of elderly drivers.
Another winner was Levi Hodge, 15, from Creswicke Road, Knowle West, who has been working hard to make his community a better place.
Described as "an inspiration" and "role model" Levi's hard work includes setting up a bike project for children on the estate, leading a youth work session and being a the only child member on the board of directors for Youth Moves.
The Oasis Academy John Williams pupil said: "I feel really good about the award. The volunteering keeps me busy and helps other people too."
Blue James, 17, from Lawrence Weston, has taken part in the Juicy Blitz Youth Project for more than three years but now he is a young leader.
After a troubled time at Henbury School, he has turned his life around and devoted more than 500 hours between February last year and March, 2012 to helping young people in the area.
He said: "I'm proud of myself. It has helped me become more mature and responsible and the young people who go there are making a difference in the community as well."
Also recognised were the Withywood Hartcliffe Youth Action Group (Whyag) – 12 boys and girls who got together to solve issues in their community, taking part in community clean-ups, fundraising for worthy causes and dealing with issues such as bullying and improving relations between young people and adults living in the community.
Chloe Kirk, 18, Jessica Nash, 18, Charly Sargent, 12, and Colt Pullen, 16, from Oasis Academy John Williams, worked together to raise awareness of domestic violence among young people, by launching a successful Healthy Relationships Campaign at their school. The girls managed to secure £1,000 of funding to help them run the campaign, working with the police, NHS, council, local charities and groups. The artistic boys designed an eye-catching logo that was used on campaign T-shirts.
Winner Katrina Doyle was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia when she was seven years old. But after pulling through, the 13- year-old who goes to King Alfred's School in Burnham-on-Sea, has raised £2,500 for cancer charity CLIC Sargent. She set up a website and dyed her hair pink to raise awareness and funds.
Praising the winners, Chief constable Colin Port said: "Just think about what you can achieve in the future. The potential in this room is amazing."
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