The Enfield Independent takes a look back at the year that was in 2013 with a review of the year’s biggest headlines…

January

An off-duty paramedic was hailed a hero in January after saving the life of a teenager who had been hit by a car.

Nikki Wyatt, who is based at Edmonton Ambulance Station, was driving to Essex to visit her sister when she came across 19-year-old victim Danielle Dresou, who had been knocked down outside her home.

Mrs Wyatt stopped immediately and administered first aid as Danielle passed in and out of consciousness. She then waited with her until an ambulance arrived.

Julie Dresou, Danielle’s mother, said of Mrs Wyatt: “The fact that an off-duty paramedic with all her equipment was driving past at that exact time and was able to save Danielle’s life is just a miracle.”

That month, critics opposing the Mayor of London’s policing plan claimed that closing two police stations in the borough would leave a “black hole”.

Joanne McCartney, London Assembly member for Enfield and Haringey, expressed fears over Boris Johnson’s proposals to close Winchmore Hill and Southgate police stations.

Also in January, a first aider and a volunteer who gave her time as a swimming instructor for 50 years were both made MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.

Ann Cable, of The Ridgeway, Enfield, signed up to St John Ambulance when she was just ten years old and she has since worked at major events including the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Jackie White, also from The Ridgeway, spends her time with Halliwick Penguins Swimming Club, which is based in Southgate Leisure Centre and is dedicated to teaching people with disabilities to swim.