A CARER has been honoured for her bravery after containing a fire at the National Society for Epilepsy and battling in vain to save a resident.

Lorenza Encarnacion, known to everyone at the NSE in Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, as Sonny, was given the society's Boyd Carpenter Award.

Wheelchair-bound NSE resident John Brodie was found engulfed in flames by Mrs Encarnacion on January 12. She told an inquest in High Wycombe in November she had noticed smoke coming from the front office of Ryding House, where Mr Brodie lived.

She told the inquest that she had opened the door and saw him on fire.

She tipped the 47-year-old pipe smoker from his chair before smothering the blaze with cushions and some blankets. She also raised the alarm with staff and paramedics.

Unfortunately Mr Brodie died from respiratory failure 12 days later.

NSE chief executive Graham Faulkner said: "Sonny's actions were brave and selfless. She put out the fire, sustaining burns to her own hands in the process. It is widely acknowledged that this prompt action saved the lives of other residents.

"She took no sick leave after the tragic incident and showed tremendous courage when she had to relive that traumatic night at the inquest last month where a verdict of accidental death was delivered."

The Boyd Carpenter Award is presented each Christmas to a member of NSE staff who has made a special contribution to the society's work during the year. It is named after Alison Boyd Carpenter, an NSE governor for 31 years and vice-president in 1981.

Mr Faulkner said Sonny has given 23 years of dedicated service to the society.