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Pride of Britain host Pete Wicks helped save save girl's life after bus accident

EXCLUSIVE: Former TOWIE star, Pete Wicks, who is this year's red carpet host for the Pride of Britain Awards, told the Mirror he once helped to save a young girl's life.

Pete Wicks says he went into 'autopilot' when he helped to save a young girl's life when he was 21. The former TOWIE star, now 37, who, along with GK Barry, is this year's red carpet host for the Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards, opened up about the 'shocking' experience while the winners of the emotional awards were being decided.

After hearing our unsung heroes' stories, which moved panel judge and actor, Michael Sheen, to tears, Pete told us about a time when he 'had to be brave' after witnessing a traffic accident.

Reflecting on the life-changing experience, he shared: "Years ago, when I was like 21, a young girl got hit by a bus in front of me as I was driving to work."

Revealing that he was the first person to attend to the girl, he continued: "I jumped out of the car because I was kind of the first one on the scene. But when things happen, you go into kind of autopilot sometimes, and I don't think you necessarily know what you're doing. But it was the kind of shock afterwards."

[Pete Wicks]

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Pete Wicks says he went into 'autopilot' when he helped to save a young girl's life when he was just 21

Confirming that the girl was OK, before explaining that having the mindset to want to help is a "brave thing", he added: "Yeah, it kind of really hits you. But she was okay. Yes, she was OK.

"But it's really tough. I think a lot of the time in crisis, you kind of go into an autopilot. You have to have the mentality to want to help, and I think that's really really important. And actually, having the mentality to want to help is a brave thing."

Pete also had to be brave when he was just 12 years old. While still a child, the star discovered his mother in their kitchen following a tragic attempt to take her own life.

He recalled how he reached out to his grandmother Doreen for assistance before dialling for an ambulance in a desperate bid to save her.

In his book, Never Enough, Pete discusses the profound impact this traumatic event had on his life, leading him to become fiercely protective of mum, Tracy.

He describes his mother as the strongest woman I know and my hero".

It was a day of huge emotion for Pete and judging panel, Carol Vorderman, Kate Garraway, Olympian Dame Denise Lewis, and Michael Sheen last week in London.

Overcome with emotion as he fought back tears, Welsh star, Michael, exclaimed: "Thank God for these people, he exclaimed, as judges debated the extraordinary Pride of Britain nominees.

The star of Good Omens continued: "Im a passionate judge. Its very emotional and quite overwhelming. He and other celebrity judges met at Londons Grosvenor Hotel last week to decide the winners of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, which highlight the inspirational feats of ordinary people."

Meanwhile, praising all the kids who had been nominated, Pete said: "One thing that stands out with the nominees is their vulnerability and their ability to look beyond themselves. All of them deserve to win, especially all the kids.

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email **jo@samaritans.org_* or visit their site to find your local branch

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