SHE IS the inspirational Hampshire mum who has equipped hundreds of other parents with life-saving skills after almost suffering a personal tragedy.

Natasha Jones embarked on a quest to teach fellow mothers what to do in a crisis after almost losing her own daughter in a medical emergency seven years ago.

Ava-Mai was just 11 weeks old when she suffered what was dubbed a near-miss cot death in 2010.

Lacking any medical training Natasha was forced to rely on her maternal instincts to keep the child alive and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while she waited for an ambulance.

Ava-Mai was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and made a remarkable recovery.

Now Natasha has received a top award at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter and best-selling author Katie Piper, who was badly injured in an acid attack.

The 39-year-old from Grigg Lane, Brockenhurst, was crowned Community First Aid Champion at the St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes awards.

Katie said: “I feel very privileged to host the awards. I know from personal experience how important it can be to know what to do in a first aid emergency and act quickly.

“It was incredibly inspiring to meet the finalists and to hear their stories about how first aid has made such a difference.”

Natasha received her award from pop star Michelle Heaton, who was a member of Liberty X.

She said: “It feels overwhelming to be presented with this award and to be here tonight is amazing. Every parent should know first aid, so they know what to do in any scenario.”

As reported in the Daily Echo, Ava-Mai was having a nap when she suddenly stopped breathing and turned blue.

Guided only by instinct and TV portrayals of CPR, Natasha managed to successfully resuscitate Ava-Mai, who is now a happy, healthy seven-year-old.

Natasha and her husband Karl subsequently launched Baby Resuscitation - first aid courses that equip parents across the south with life-saving skills.

They were determined to plug what they saw as a gap in the antenatal and postnatal courses provided by the NHS.

The couple began to provide parents, grandparents and carers with the techniques they would need if a baby in their care stopped breathing or started choking.

Natasha was one of ten winners honoured at the awards ceremony at the Hilton London Bankside.

Elizabeth Harper, regional director for St John Ambulance, said: “It’s right we take the time to recognise these truly remarkable people on a national stage.”