A Royal Bermuda Regiment soldier who saved her wheelchair-bound brother-in-law from a blazing house has won the Hero of the Year from the Kiwanis Club of St George’s.

Latoya Brown-Hayward pulled Omar Hayward -a Paralympian — from their home after she saw smoke inside on December 7 last year.

A spokesman for the Kiwanis said Ms Brown-Hayward at first attempted to put out the fire, but when she realised she could not, she turned her attention to Mr Hayward, who has cerebral palsy.

The spokesman said: “Although the children had left the house, she was not in the house alone.

“The other occupant was her brother-in-law — none other than one of Bermuda’s international athletes, Omar Hayward, who has represented the island abroad in boccia competitions.

“To add to the drama, and stress, Omar is a challenged sportsman, totally confined to a wheelchair.

“It didn’t take long for the Royal Bermuda Regiment soldier to come to a decision — she knew she had to save her brother-in-law.”

Ms Brown-Hayward pulled Mr Hayward from his bed, put him in his wheelchair and took him to safety.

The house was extensively damaged, but Ms Brown-Hayward’s efforts ensured that no one lost their life in the blaze.

Daron Lowe, the club president, said the award was the Kiwanis Club of St George’s way to recognise those who put their lives at risk to save others.

Mr Lowe said: “Mrs Brown-Hayward, by her action, is a true hero in the eyes of many.”