Ardgowan School pupil Emma Shimauchi Moore, 11, was presented with an award from Neighbourhood Support after she helped her elderly neighbour last month.
On September 20, Emma noticed her neighbour Ellen Lewis had opened her lounge curtains but not those in her bedroom, so she phoned but received no answer.
This was not unusual as Ellen was a keen gardener so would often miss calls.
However, once Emma returned home later in the day, she noticed the curtains were still the same, she and her father Richard went next door using the spare key to check on Ellen.
They found her unconscious on the floor and Emma immediately hit the medic alert alarm.
Hato Hone St John arrived shortly after and discovered Ellen had suffered a stroke.
She was transported to Oamaru Hospital where she was stabilised until she died four days later.
Those four days allowed Ellen’s family, including her two children, Craig and Tracey, who live in Christchurch and Wellington, respectively, to be by her side for her final days.
Those extra days were invaluable, Mr Lewis said.
"I can’t describe how important that was.
"A few more hours [and] she probably would’ve passed away where she fell when she had a stroke.
"To get my sister and me and mum’s six grandchildren around the bed, they were precious days."
Emma said she loved just hanging out with Ellen.
"We would hang out and talk about lots of stuff.
"Lots of stuff that I don’t tell my parents."
She would also help her in the garden and the two were very close, Mr Moore said.
"She was like a Kiwi grandmother, to [Emma] and she was a great friend too."
Waitaki Neighbourhood Support co-ordinater Christine Dorsey presented the award to Emma alongside police Sergeant Blair Wilkinson, of Oamaru.
Mrs Dorsey said Emma well and truly deserved recognition for helping her neighbour like that.
"We just need great neighbours like these guys.
"It’s wonderful to have children developing relationships for older people and looking out for them.
"It’s particularly special."
Mr Lewis was also very grateful for the work of St John and Oamaru Hospital staff.
"I can’t speak highly enough of them."
