Catching toddler instinctive says British ‘guardian angel’

Helen Beard, who works for NHS Doncaster, caught 16-month-old Jah-Nea Myles after she saw her dangling from a fourth-floor balcony. Ms Beard ran over to the spot and saved her from the 40ft drop.

The 44-year-old, of Park Street, Worksop, is the director of performance at the Doncaster Health Trust, and said: “It felt like it was something anyone would have done, and I feel honoured to have been recognised.”

Ms Beard, who is on holiday with her partner Philip and 10-year-old son Ben, spotted the child in danger on the evening of Wednesday, April 20.

She was given the Medal of Merit by Orange County sheriff Jerry Demings and the state government also created a Guardian Angel award in her honour.

She said she was relaxing by the pool at the Econo Lodge hotel in Orlando when people started to shout and point at the building behind her.

Ms Beard added: “I got up and ran through the pool gates and positioned myself below where she was holding on.

“She lost her grip as I got there and tumbled down, bouncing on the second floor railings.

“I was able to catch her, absorbing the force of the fall before she slipped through my arms onto the floor.

“I picked her up and held her until the ambulance arrived, another lady sat with me and held her head still.

“She was crying at first but calmed down by the time the ambulance arrived.

“I think it was more instinct than reflex. I think I just did what anyone would do and I just got there first.

“All I could think of was getting to the baby before she lost her grip.

“I didn’t expect to be the one who caught her but I was relieved that I did.”

She said the people and businesses of Orlando had been very generous to her and her family.

“The sheriff’s department in particular have made me fell very safe when all the publicity intruded on our family holiday.”

It is understood that the toddler had been left in the care of friends by her 20-year-old mother Helena Myles, who described Ms Beard as “an angel sent from heaven”.

NHS Doncaster chief executive Annette Laban said: “I am extremely proud of Helen and her tremendous courage when faced with such a difficult life-saving situation.

“The way she reacted so quickly and bravely to save the life of a young child is testament to her kind and caring nature. I hope Helen and her family are now able to enjoy the rest of their holiday.”

Florida police said no criminal charges were pending over the incident, but added that state’s Department of Children and Families were investigating what had happened.