4Uth 2016 winners
Newark and Sherwood winner: Josh Turner
Josh is 14 and lives in Blidworth. He has been nominated by Karen Flynn, youth worker on the youth service mobile provision which visits Blidworth each week.
Josh saved his mum and pet cat from his burning home in the middle of the night – and has been rewarded for his selfless bravery through this year’s 4Uth awards.
Despite suffering burns and his hair setting alight during the blaze, Josh’s quick-thinking actions saved his family. The blaze had started in the lounge due to an overheating portable heater, with Josh and his mum sleeping downstairs.
Mum Jenna said: “I am so proud of Josh. He puts everyone else first and he saved my life. I had got my leg trapped in the sofa and the room was on fire but he managed to free me, put me over his shoulder and carry me out of the house. I am so pleased he is being recognised through the 4Uth awards.”
Josh recounts what happened in a very matter of fact and understated way but, in spite of his modesty he is still receiving treatment for his injuries at the Queens Medical Centre. He may have to continue with this for a while yet. Staff at the hospital are delighted with him and his actions in saving his mother. Sadly, family cat Amber died a few weeks ago after being struck by a vehicle near their home.
The teenager is a pupil at Joseph Whitaker School and harbours aspirations to be an electrician. He also attends the mobile youth facility in Blidworth each week.
Youth worker Karen Flynn said: “Josh has attended our mobile provision for about a year. He enjoys the bus as a nice place to chill after school and to meet friends.
“In terms of the blaze at his house, the flames woke him up and his bed clothes were on fire so he threw them off the bed and manage to free his mum and then pick her up over his shoulder and carry her outside the house. Josh then went back inside looking for the cat and fell. He received serious burns to his face, neck and hand. The cat was taken outside and then Josh phoned the emergency services for help.
“As his youth worker I have observed his behaviour as understated and modest. I and the other young people on the mobile are so proud of him and his courageous actions.”
