Boy, 6, given award for saving his mother's life

Tolu Adeoye,Londonand
Jess Warren,London
News imageBBC Anna O'Connor and her son Conor Tuohy stand together. BBC
Conor Tuohy used his first-aid knowledge to save his mother who was choking

A six-year-old boy from London who saved his mother's life when she was choking has been awarded the Chief Scout's Unsung Heroes Award.

Conor Tuohy, who learnt emergency first aid skills at Scouts, stepped in to administer strong back slaps on his mother when she started choking on chicken while eating her dinner.

She was unable to breathe or make any noise, and could not get another adult's attention. Conor continued the first aid with no assistance until the food dislodged.

His mother Anna O'Connor said: "I'm beyond proud. Conor's taken it all in his stride and doesn't realise how big a moment it was. I'm immensely proud of him."

Conor was among a group of 20 young people honoured at a ceremony earlier for their efforts in saving lives, raising money and making an impact in their communities.

News imageConor in his uniform standing on a stage.
Conor said he had expected to use his first-aid skills after he learnt them

The six-year-old explained that he saw his mother choking, adding: "I remembered something in Squirrels, you had to tap somebody's back to get the food out."

Squirrel Scouts is the youngest section of the Scout Association in the UK, for children aged four to six.

Conor's mother added: "I've never experienced anything like it. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't talk, I couldn't do anything.

"Conor came and within seconds started banging my back.

"I think all children should learn basic first aid. If it wasn't for Conor being in Squirrels, who knows what could have happened."

Chief scout Dwayne Fields said the children recognised with an award had "shown real courage, kindness and care for others".

"They've stepped up and made a difference when it mattered most," Fields added.

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