A quick-thinking Folkestone teenager who saved his mum’s life after she collapsed in the bath has been awarded by paramedics for his actions.

Josh Anslow, 13, rushed to the bathroom after hearing his mum Zyel Abraham cry out when she suffered an epileptic seizure earlier this year.

She had collapsed face down after running herself a bath and was struggling for breath.

However when Josh, a pupil at the Folkestone Academy, attempted to get in he found the bathroom door locked.

He ran to alert his neighbour, Linda Clark and the pair raced back to the house unlocking the door using a kitchen knife to find Zyel blue but still breathing and completely immersed in the water.

They pulled her out but she was struggling to breathe and was coughing up water before laying her on the side.

Paramedic Simon Wilks was the first to arrive on the scene and noted how calm Josh was during the drama.

He said: “When I arrived Josh gave me a calm, clear account of what had happened and his mother’s medical history. He then helped in calming his mother when she became agitated in the post-ictal stage.

"His actions and behaviour were exemplary and he showed great maturity and bravery during the incident." Simon Wilks, SECAmb

“His actions and behaviour were exemplary and he showed great maturity and bravery during the incident. I, and the crew who backed me up, agreed his actions undoubtedly prevented a far worse situation from developing and probably saved his mum’s life.”

She was then taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford as a precaution in case she had ingested water into her lungs.

Zyel has suffered from epilepsy for around five years but this was the most dangerous seizure she has suffered.

She said: “I get no warning of the fits and it has been difficult for Josh. He has learned to cope and he did all the right things to get me help. I am also so grateful for what Simon, Nathan and Andrew did for me. Although I don’t remember much about the incident I know they were amazing.”

Josh was given a certificate of commendation from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) and he and his mum were given a tour of the centre where all the vehicles are stored and maintained.