A WOKINGHAM woman has received a cascade of goodies as a thank you for her work in the borough.
Ruth Giles was nominated for an ultimate care package in a search run by clothing retailer Chums. Prizes include £100 vouchers for Chums and the airline Ryanair, theatre tickets, and some chocolate.
She was described by her nominator as the type of person who would rather be the helper than the recipient and is always keeping herself busy by supporting others, be it a church tea, at the food bank, or school fete.
She also helps with the annual Christmas shoebox appeal, helping fill donations with hand-knitted scarves, hats and blankets.
And her cross-stitch skills are regularly put to good use creating bespoke birth samplers for anyone who requests one, completely free of charge.
Chums, who specialise in clothing for people aged 60 or over, launched the contest to find unsung heroes who deserved some recognition.
Paul Gray, the firm’s marketing director said it was an opportunity to showcase the positive impact these community heroes have and thank them for being generous with their time, their wisdom and their wit.
According to her daughter Liz Rumble, who nominated Ruth for the prize, the win came as a bit of a surprise as she would never want any recognition for the work she does.
Liz added: “Helping in the community is a great thing to get involved with if you have the capacity and ability to do so. I know my mum wants to help while she is able to do so. She has never helped for want of recognition.
“She helps because she likes to be helpful and useful and because she enjoys it.
“I think that’s a good way to be. Whether you have minutes to spare or hours, there’s always something that can be done to help others; a quick litter pick, taking a friend or neighbour to an appointment or just talking to someone who needs a chat. “
Ruth has yet to decide where she will visit using the flight voucher as she is actually afraid of planes however, her daughter thinks she may be able to convince her to fly to Scotland as they have family members out there.
