Life gets back to normal for teen hero Charlie Ward
A heroic teenager was getting back to normality at his Shropshire home after thousands of people saw him recognised on national television. A heroic teenager was getting back to normality at his Shropshire home after thousands of people saw him recognised on national television. Charlie Ward, from Weston Rhyn, was named a Radio 1 Teen Hero at the ceremony in front of thousands of youngsters at London's Wembley Arena on Sunday. Charlie, 16, was nominated by his uncle, Shaun Ward, after he saved the life of a six-year-old girl who fell into the sea and was sucked into a drain at Shell Island, North Wales. Full report in today's Shropshire Star [24link]
A heroic teenager was getting back to normality at his Shropshire home after thousands of people saw him recognised on national television.
Charlie Ward, from Weston Rhyn, was named a Radio 1 Teen Hero at the ceremony in front of thousands of youngsters at London's Wembley Arena on Sunday.
Charlie, 16, was nominated by his uncle, Shaun Ward, after he saved the life of a six-year-old girl who fell into the sea and was sucked into a drain at Shell Island, North Wales.
Today Charlie said he enjoyed taking part in the star-studded event. His proud mother Deb Owen said he was treated like a star and was even chased by teenagers asking for an autograph.
Charlie said: "It was my first time on TV and it was good. I wasn't expecting to win the award. I was really nervous on the night.
"It was good meeting the celebrities and I got some autographs from The Inbetweeners and Pixie Lott.
"My Facebook account has gone mad with comments from people. My friends and people I haven't heard from for a long time have been contacting me."
The former Lakelands School pupil, who has two part-time jobs in farming and gardening, said his bosses were very pleased with his award.
Charlie's grandmother, mother, step father and friend also attended the event.
His mother said: "I am chuffed to bits that he received the award. He is still shocked about it.
"It was brilliant seeing him walk down the red carpet with the celebrities.
"When he came out of the arena afterwards all the girls were screaming and teenagers were running after him for an autograph.
"It was a great day for the whole family and we were all proud of him."
The event was hosted by Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and Mollie King from The Saturdays and was held to celebrate the achievements of young people.
Nearly 9,000 youngsters aged 14 to 17 attended the awards which featured performances from Pixie Lott, Jason Derulo, Cher Lloyd, Rizzle Kicks, Joe Jonas, One Direction, and Ed Sheeran.
More than 700 youngsters were nominated for the award
By Chrissy Symmons
