Hero driver saves woman from blazing home (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Driver nominated for an award after heroic rescue

8:10am Friday 11th January 2013 in News By David Morgan

A SUPERMARKET driver has been hailed a hero after rescuing an elderly resident from her burning home.

Chris Barnwell, of Brookvale, Runcorn, has been nominated for Asda’s Colleague of the Year award after risking his own safety to lead the woman to safety from her smoke-filled bungalow in Knutsford.

The 25-year-old said: “I saw flames in the window and as I went around to the front of the property I saw black smoke.

“A neighbour came racing towards me and I said: ‘If you need any help give me a shout’.”

The woman was trapped so Chris put his jacket over his head and ran through plumes of thick black smoke to free her.

He added: “The smoke was really intense and really black. I think she was just mostly in shock and needed someone to help her so I put my arm around her and grabbed her hand.”

Chris led her out and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived.

She was treated for slight smoke inhalation.

The fire was caused by a candle which had ignited dried flowers.

Chris could win an all-expenses trip to Arkansas in the United States if he wins the Asda award.