A NINE-year-old girl saved her dad’s life after he suffered a stroke in their home which left him needing major brain surgery.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Tories, had his daughter Willow to thank after he collapsed on the floor, calling her his “hero”.

Willow rushed to get the neighbours, who called 999, when she found her dad on the floor and struggling Mr Baggott, 60, who had brain surgery at London’s University College Hospital, was then transferred to Basildon Hospital for a further three weeks care.

He said: “I was really lucky that she was there, she’s my hero.

“She was really grown up in the situation, I’m not sure she realises how well she did or the enormity of what had happened.

“She saved my life. I’ve told her how grateful I am for what she did.

“I was completely out of it. I remember feeling really light headed all day.”

He has resumed the role as leader of the party following his stint in hospital.

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Tory councillor Anthony Hedley acted as interim leader.

Mr Baggott also thanked the NHS for the care he received, adding: “They were truly wonderful, at both hospitals.

“My mobility is impaired but they’ve been great in getting me back home.

“I’ve just got to get on with it now, I won’t use it as an excuse to not get things done.

“It does play on my mind that it could happen again, but I’m trying to take a positive mindset. I don’t think it will but there’s always that thought.”

Not only did Willow save the Day when Mr Baggott suffered his stroke, she has also cared for him since.

The 60-year-old said: “Willow understands what’s going on.

“She runs to the door to tell me who’s there, and answers the phone before I can even get up. I want her to be enjoying herself as a kid, not looking after me at home.”

The Tory leader, who now uses a crutch, was back in hospital at the weekend and given stronger painkillers with one knee “three times the size of the other”.

John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, and Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, all sent their best wishes to Mr Baggott.