A YOUNG Hampshire boy has been hailed a hero for saving his epileptic mum's life on no less than ten occasions.

Eight-year-old Michael Tagg, from Gosport, keeps his cool whenever mum Julie has a fit, which causes her to lose control of her body.

What's even more remarkable is that he first performed his heroic deeds aged just four. Michael has had to learn how to act in an emergency as dad Ian is in the Royal Navy and frequently away at sea.

Before Michael was born Julie, 36, was often lucky to escape with her life. She lost a dangerous amount of blood after falling through a window; fell down a flight of stairs; and on another occasion fell on a lit gas fire.

Proud mum Julie, who has had epilepsy for 28 years, said: "He's been wonderful.

"He had never seen me have a fit until he was four. I told him what to expect and what to do about calling 999 for the ambulance. He's always keeping an eye out for me, reminding me to take my pills. He really is the man about the house."

But the St John's School pupil, of Melville Road, remains totally unfazed. He said: "I'm not scared and I never panic."

On the first occasion he was called into action, Michael gave the 999 operator the telephone number of the house rather than the address. The operator traced the call and Michael was still on the phone when ambulance staff arrived.

Yesterday, Gosport's new mayor Ken Searle presented Michael with his Young Citizen of the Year award.

Picking up the adult Citizen of the Year award was Dorothy Simpson who has done a lot of charity work over the years.

As a member of the Gosporteers, the group which organises the mayor's charity, Dorothy, of Kings Road, Gosport, goes out in all weathers rattling a collection tin, selling raffle tickets or helping with teas.

Dot, as she is better known, is also a volunteer helper at Gosport Community Association and is local secretary for the Royal British Legion.

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