Quick-thinking dad who saved 'lifeless' pensioner who collapsed in street selected for News Year Honours

Carpenter John Hoskin leapt into action after picking up his eight-year-old son, Harvey, from Newbridge Junior School in Fratton in November.

The courageous 44-year-old was approaching the Co-operative shop in New Road when a desperate cry for a ‘first aider’ rang out amid panic on the street.

Without a second thought, former volunteer firefighter John rushed over and after seeing the collapsed pensioner wasn’t breathing began performing CPR.

But John’s incredible efforts – involving around 40 chest compressions – resulted in the woman being brought back to life.

‘She was dead – totally lifeless when I got to her,’ John said. ‘I thought, “what am I going to do here”. But I just tried to keep calm and was able to bring her round.

‘She didn’t have a clue what was going on and even started lashing out at me! Paramedics then turned up and took her away.

‘It was nice to make a difference. It was very surreal.’

John, of Apollo Drive, Crookhorn. told The News he has since been visited by the grandmother, of Dover Road, Copnor.

‘She came round with a box of chocolates and some Prosecco the other day to say thank you,’ he said.

‘Her heart had totally packed up but she now has a pacemaker and looks so well I couldn’t believe it.’

Speaking of his award, John added: ‘It’s brilliant, I’m very happy about it. Hopefully what I did will help get across to people the importance of first aid.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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