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Oakwood boy is YEP Child of Courage 2009
His smile is enough to light up any room but beneath his cheeky grin, Elliot Hart-Marks is hiding true superhero powers.
The nine-year-old has saved his mum Lesley's life twice in the past six months after she suffered near-fatal asthma attacks.
But the year is ending on a high for the brave youngster from Oakwood, Leeds, who is today named as our Child of Courage 2009.
That honour means he will be handed the task of switching on the Christmas lights at the emotional church service next Thursday.
Elliot, a pupil at Roundhay St John's Primary School, said: "I'm a bit nervous but I'm sure it will be a good night and I'm very pleased.
"A lot of my family and friends and people from school will be there, so I'm really excited. Thank you for choosing me."
Elliot was chosen as our Child of Courage after saving Lesley when she collapsed during an asthma attack in the middle of the night.
Despite his young age, Elliot dialled 999, spoke to paramedics, unlocked the front door and even packed an overnight bag.
Lesley, 51, spent several days in hospital after the attack in August, which followed another collapse at their home in June.
This was when Elliot first became a hero, running to get help from a neighbour despite being terrified for his mum's life.
The brave youngster was also on hand when Lesley had similar attacks on the school walk and outside their flat on Elmete Hill.
Mum Lesley has suffered from asthma since birth, although the attacks have only become severe in the last two years.
She said: "I'm incredibly proud of Elliot and I'm absolutely delighted that he's been chosen as this year's Child of Courage.
"It's a really great honour. At first, I couldn't believe he'd been picked. But he really deserves it because what he did was so brave.
"I haven't suffered any more attacks and I'm determined to get back to full fitness. I've lost a stone in weight and I'm feeling really positive.
"Now we're looking forward to Christmas and with the carol service coming up as well, we're definitely ending the year on a high."
The annual YEP carol service will take at Leeds Parish Church on Thursday, December 3, at 4.15pm and 7pm. Elliot will switch on the lights during the 7pm service.
The Rector of Leeds, Canon Tony Bundock, will lead the service, which will also include readings from Calendar frontman Duncan Wood, YEP editor Paul Napier and deputy editor Nicola Megson.
The Yorkshire Evening Post brass band will provide the musical accompaniment.
YEP editor Paul Napier said: "Elliot has shown remarkable maturity by keeping a cool head in an emergency, which many adults would struggle to do. We're delighted to name him our Child of Courage."
Tickets are available for both carol services. For more information, call Carole Clarkson on 0113 243 2701 ext 1884.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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