Jane

Now before I go any further, can I just say that most of this text was written by Iain Howie of the Stirling Observer. I’ve taken it from Friday March 19th Edition at Gran’s behest.

Central Scotland Fire Service held a ceremony on Thursday 18th March at Alloa Fire Station, to reward two members of the public for “Selfless Acts of Bravery”. One of these people is Granny Wood.

As most of you may know Gran was visiting Great Aunt Annie when she heard a smoke alarm next door. She quickly sprang into action while GAA called for help. Gran managed to slip the security chain (something that Firemaster Early would love to know how to do) and headed upstairs where she found a woman wrapped in a burning duvet.

After taking the woman outside with the help of a neighbour, she re-entered the home to fetch a duvet to cover the woman. Gran was treated in hospital for smoke inhillation, but after the first night was ready to go home – though she had to spend 4 nights there as a matter of routine.

It was a day of double celebration though for Gran as she also received the Red Cross Special Services Medal. Gerald McLaughlin, Red Cross Scotland Director, said “It’s a true mark of her braverery that she received this award, which has rarely been given out since it was created in 1917. (Gran is the 8th person in the UK to receive this award!). “I am truly very impressed with her and the fact that she shies away from the limelight, instead preferring to go to Red Cross charity events and do her bit”

Gran, who’s quite shy about “all this” said “At the time I just did what I was trained to do thanks to the Red Cross. I probably would do the same thing all over again”.