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Social worker who saved life is up for award
A heroic social worker who talked down a teenager from a motorway bridge is up for a national award.
Paul Child, from Waterlooville, has been nominated for Council Worker of the Year 2010 after he saved the life of a suicidal 13-year-old boy.
When the troubled youngster - known only as Callum - threatened to jump off the bridge over the A3M at Waterlooville last December, Paul was called out by police to try to talk to him.
The boy had been placed into foster care but he had wanted to go back to his mum.
Thankfully, Paul was able to stay calm and talk him to safety.
'I saw Callum hanging off the bridge,' he said.
'Raw instincts kicked in as Callum shouted that he'd had enough.
'There and then I promised I'd take him back home and see what could be done.
'Callum grabbed my arm and I gave him an enormous bear hug as I reeled him in and dragged him away from the edge.'
After talking him down, Paul helped one of the boy's relatives to become his official carer and get them a two-bedroom home.
As if saving a life wasn't enough, 37-year-old Paul was also held at gunpoint for three hours by a client several years ago.
There are six awards up for grabs this year, and he has been shortlisted to win a prize for his bravery.
Results will be announced by Jeremy Vine at an awards dinner in Bournemouth on July 8.
Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber is calling on everyone to vote for Paul.
'Paul is everything a good social worker should be - dedicated, professional and approachable.
He has a great rapport with children in his care and always puts their needs first,' he said.
'He's a true ambassador for his profession and we are proud to have him as a valued member of our team.'
People can go online and cast their votes in the contest at localgovernmentchannel.com/awards
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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