Girl's bravery praised for saving woman's life on bus

Layla has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Citizen Awards ceremony

A 14-year-old girl who saved a woman's life on a bus has been shortlisted for an outstanding citizen's award.

Layla was travelling home from a friend's birthday in Birmingham on 1 July when a young woman had a severe epileptic seizure and stopped breathing.

Layla performed CPR under the guidance of a 999 call handler. She helped revive the 22-year-old and kept her stable until paramedics arrived.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster praised her bravery, saying: "What she did on that bus was nothing short of heroic".

Layla embodied "the very best of our young people - courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping others," he added.

Layla's actions have brought her national attention, but she has long been active in her community. She has campaigned against knife crime and promoted youth safety through Birmingham Says No CIC, a community organisation founded by her mother in 2019.

Since joining the group, Layla has taken part in community events, led bleed control workshops, and spoken to MPs and the Crown Prosecution Service about knife crime. She has also delivered assemblies to inspire her peers.

The Outstanding Citizen Awards ceremony will be held on 6 October, at the Brasshouse Community Centre in Smethwick, where Layla will be formally recognised for her bravery and dedication to her community.