Heroine's bravery is honoured by locals

A MEMORIAL to honour a heroine who died saving a child's life almost 100 years ago has been restored.

The Kerr Memorial Lamppost at Armadale Cross commemorates the life of Elizabeth Kerr, who was tragically killed in November 1919.

The midwife was shopping in the West Lothian town when she spotted two-year-old Mary Easton standing in the middle of the road at The Cross.

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A car was seconds away from knocking the little girl down but Mrs Kerr rushed on to the road and dived in front of the vehicle to push the toddler out of the way.

She paid with her life, dying of her injuries after being hit by the car.

Little Mary was also struck but, thanks to Mrs Kerr's actions, suffered only minor injuries and survived. To honour Mrs Kerr's bravery, the close-knit mining community collected money which paid for the erection of the memorial at Armadale Cross in the 1920s.

The memorial, which marks the act of selfless heroism, describes the details of the accident and includes the quotation, "Unbounded Courage and Compassion Joined".

West Lothian Council recently agreed to spend 4900 on upgrading the memorial lamppost, which overlooks the spot where the accident took place, after consulting with local traders.

The week-long refurbishment, which was completed at the end of last week, included restoring, cleaning and repainting the structure. Leader of West Lothian Council, Peter Johnston, said: "Mrs Kerr sacrificed her own life to save a young girl from certain death and it is very touching that, so many years after her death, the people of Armadale still regard her as a local heroine.

"It is fitting that Mrs Kerr's life and her selfless actions are commemorated at such a prominent position within the town centre.

"She was very well-known in the town and well liked. By restoring the memorial, West Lothian Council is delighted to be able to help ensure that future generations never forget the heroic actions of Mrs Kerr nearly 92 years ago."

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Mrs Kerr was the wife of John Kerr, a blacksmith, who lived at Dunolly Cottage in Mossend, Armadale.

According to press reports from 1919, Mary lived on North Street with her father Andrew. She later moved to South Africa.

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