A BRAVE woman who set up a life-saving charity in memory of her ten-year-old brother has stepped in to use her skills to resuscitate her best friend.

In traumatic scenes Kerri Lynn of Port Glasgow had to jump into action to save mum-of-one Chloe Malone when she keeled over while celebrating her 21st birthday.

It happened on the same week her family and friends marked the second anniversary of her brother Jayden's death.

The talented youngster tragically collapsed and died during an ice skating training session.

Since then Kerri, along with her mum Kathleen, has campaigned to put defibrillators in public places and raise awareness of life-saving skills training.

Now best friend Chloe has paid tribute to her 'hero' and thanked her for saving her life.

But Kerri, 22, from Northfield Avenue, said: "I was in a total panic.

"It was hard to carry out CPR on your best friend rather than a stranger. I

" kept thinking 'I don't want to lose my best friend'.

"But we did what we needed to do.

"We were at Chloe's house to celebrate her birthday and she normally exaggerates a bit when she isn't well.

"She said she was feeling sick and went to the toilet but it was so quiet and I went looking for her.

"She had collapsed and barely had a pulse.

"She was hardly breathing and then she was unconscious."

Kerri, along with another friend, immediately leapt into action.

She added: "I didn't even think about it.

"I just started doing CPR and we phoned an ambulance but we had to wait 20 minutes.

"I was in some state."

Kerri was devoted to her little brother Jayden and his death in August 2017 devastated his family, friends and the close-knit Port community. .

Along with her mum, as well as brother Declan and Jayden's dad John, she set up Jayden's Rainbow and joined forces to campaign with the Tele.

They have taken their fight all the way to the Scottish Parliament, raised money for defibrillators and carried out training in schools.

Chloe, who has an 11-month-old son Freddie, has been by Kerri and her family's side throughout the last two years, supporting them at fundraisers and raising awareness of the charity.

Chloe, of Iona Road, said: "I don't know what to say to Kerri, I love her.

"She has been my best friend for years.

"She saved my life.

"We all miss Jayden, every single day.

"He was a brilliant wee guy.

"I can't believe this happened so close to his anniversary.

"I will never forget because it was at the same time as my birthday - I don't think I will be celebrating again."

Recalling the events of the night, Chloe said: "I just felt sick and then I seemed to take a panic attack.

"I have only ever had one before."

Chloe was rushed to the hospital and now faces an anxious wait to find out if there are any underlying causes.

She added: "I am still sore and they are carrying out tests to see if I have a hole in my heart."

Jayden's mum Kathleen, who is now a trained St Andrews first aider, said: "I am so proud of Kerri, she did so well.

"I think afterwards she went into shock, she phoned me from the hospital in a terrible state.

"Chloe and Kerri are like sisters.

"I think this shows how important it is to get CPR training.

"Now Chloe is getting scans and tests - but how many lives' would be saved if everyone had a scan?"