Cornwall schoolgirl saves friend who fell into river and knocked herself out
13-year-old Payton Tamblin jumped in after Sarah, before pulling her out by her hair and giving her mouth-to-mouth
A schoolgirl from Bodmin is being praised for saving her best friend's life, when she fell into a river and knocked herself out.
Payton Tamblin was on the Camel Trail with mates on Bank Holiday Monday, when Sarah ended up in the water.
Despite suffering from anxiety, the 13-year-old jumped in, pulled her out by her hair and gave her mouth-to-mouth.
Luckily, both girls escaped with just a few cuts and bruises.
We have been speaking to Payton's mum Emily, who said there are no words to describe how unbelievably proud she is of her daughter!
"I have no idea where she would even get that confidence from because Payton suffers with anxiety terribly.
"I never would have thought she would have the confidence to actually jump in and pull somebody out.
"Given a dangerous situation where somebody's life is at risk, if anybody had asked me I would've said Payton would be the one to stand on the sidelines and get really upset and panic. Because she is a panicker and she gets that from me".
That said, Emily added that Payton is always thinking of others before herself.
"Payton has always put other people's needs before her own. She has always had such a big heart. She's always doing whatever she can for anybody so I'm not shocked that she jumped in after her best friend at all".
Emily, Payton Tamblin's Mum
Sarah was airlifted to hospital for treatment but Payton's mum has since confirmed the girls escaped with a few cuts and bruises and an "unbreakable bond".
We wish Sarah a very speedy recovery!