A SOCIAL worker went above and beyond to help one of the country’s oldest women relocate next to her family.

Julie Swann, based at Partington Health Centre, did everything possible to help 108-year-old Lily Conroy move from Partington to be near her nephew, Stephen Cox, 85 miles away in Welshpool.

Lily, who never married and had no children, had lived in her flat in Davyhulme for 46 years.

She was being looked after by niece Joan Cox, but was left devastated when she passed away suddenly and asked to live nearer to Stephen.

Julie, Lily’s social worker from Trafford Council, stepped in and took control of everything.

She arranged for Lily to have a place in a home as close as possible to her nephew, helped her to move all the things which were really important to her to Welshpool and even drove her there herself.

Her acts of kindness came to light as councils across the country celebrated World Social Work day on Tuesday last week.

Julie, who met Lily after caring for her over Christmas, said: “Lily is a lovely woman and when I met her I grew very fond of her. She is an incredible woman and was totally independent up until about 12 months ago. She was devastated when Joan died and wanted to live next to Stephen in Wales.

“I started researching and found her a home in Welshpool and got the funding for it. My colleague and I then drove her to her new home and made sure all her belongings were sent there. She’s settled in really well and I’m so happy for her.

“She is an amazing lady and I was delighted to help out. She wants to maintain her relationships with her family, maintain as much inpendence as possible, she loves going out shopping and is looking forward to her next birthday party.

"She tells me she’s lived so long because she doesn’t worry about anything ­— and also because she never married!”

Stephen said: “I cannot thank Julie enough for what she has done. The change in Lily is already amazing. She is eating proper meals at a table, she is very happy and has settled well.”

Cllr Joanne Harding, Trafford Council’s executive member for adult social care, said: “Our social workers work tirelessly to help vulnerable people each and every day and we are proud of the work they do. Julie is a great example of that and we are delighted with the way she has helped Lily.”