Paperboy nominated for Spirit Of Youth award (From York Press)

Paperboy Billy Chadwick nominated for Spirit Of Youth award

8:43am Thursday 5th April 2012 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

A POPULAR paperboy who looked after a woman who fell and broke her hip has been nominated for a Community Pride Award.

Billy Chadwick, 16, was on his morning newspaper round when he came to the rescue of 74-year-old Gloria Dowell after she suffered a fall at her home in New Earswick.

Ms Dowell had fallen in her hallway behind the front door, breaking her hip in two places, and, upon hearing her calls for help, Billy came to her rescue.

After calling emergency services he used a rolled-up newspaper to pull back the net curtain through the letterbox to speak to Ms Dowell, who had been lying unable to move for about three hours, reassuring her until the police and paramedics arrived.

He later went to visit her after the accident, giving her a hug and a kiss and telling her he had been worried about her, Ms Dowell’s daughter-in-law, Sarah Dowell, told The Press.

Billy has been nominated for the Spirit Of Youth award by another customer on the paper round, John Harper, who said he is well- known by residents for being friendly and courteous.

Mr Harper, of Oak Tree Grove, said: “Billy always has a word with you on his rounds and keeps an eye on people. When the lady in our cul-de-sac fell over he got on his phone and got the medical people on and helped her. He is so attentive to everybody when he goes around. He is very caring and he is exceptionally polite. Everybody likes him and we’re sorry we will lose him when he goes to college.”

Earlier this year Billy was also recognised as one of the winners of The Press’ direct delivered newspaper competition.

Billy, of Alder Way, said: “I just did what anyone would have done. I’m pleased to be nominated.”

The Press Community Pride Awards, which will have a York 800 theme this year, are run in partnership with City of York Council and sponsored by Benenden Healthcare.