Brave Amaya is a Takeaway winner

A brave Black Country youngster who leapt to her mother’s rescue by calling 999 after she collapsed at their home has won a holiday through Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway TV show.

Mum Raj with Amaya and Arianna who were announced as Getaway winners on Ant and Dec’s Takeaway TV show

Amaya Dey and her family, from Halesowen, appeared in the virtual audience on the ITV programme during the ‘Happiest Minute of the Week’ segment.

For the segment, Ant and Dec have teamed up with TUI to give 240 people the chance to win a seven-night stay for up to four people at an all inclusive resort of their choice.

It was announced during the show that Amaya, who is now seven, would win one of the holidays – with Dec saying: “We heard that after learning at school to call 999 in an emergency, you saved your mum’s life by calling her an ambulance when she collapsed at home.

“You’re so brilliant you deserve a Takeaway getaway!”

Amaya’s mother, Raj Dey, 43, said: “She was really surprised when they said her name – gobsmacked really to be honest!

“We were sent a prop that said Takeaway Getaway so me and her dad knew it was going to be a holiday, but Amaya had no idea.

“We could choose from 30 destinations, so we have chosen Cancun in Mexico.

“We have still got to decide when we go but it’s seven days all inclusive and they are throwing in an excursion too. We are really excited about it – and it’s all down to Amaya and her bravery. Amaya’s just really excited now.”

She added: “A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by one of the show’s producers and they had seen Amaya’s story.

“They arranged to interview – and they eventually told us they wanted her to be on the first episode last Saturday.

Proud

“She [Amaya] and her sister Arianna had no idea whatsoever. It was a surprise for her. They just got ready and sat there – and then it was all announced on the show.”

Amaya, who was six at the time, learned in school how to call the emergency services – and remembered how to do it when her mother Raj collapsed at home.

Mrs Dey collapsed while at home in Halesowen.

Amaya got her mother’s phone and called her uncle, then dialled 999 for an ambulance and then called her father who was at work.

Raj later found out that Amaya’s school, Howley Grange Primary School, had taught her about the emergency services and how to dial the number.

After learning what Amaya did, the school gave her the headteacher’s award.

At the time, Mrs Dey said: “I don’t know what would have happened if she wasn’t there, I think she saved my life. I’m so proud.”

“I’m just absolutely so proud. Teaching isn’t all about academics, it’s about life skills.”