A WOMAN who has worked at the Hardshaw Centre for 20 years has been recognised with a BBC Key Worker Award.
The award is part of BBC Radio's 'Make a Difference Awards', which is a national campaign to celebrate people who go "above and beyond" in their local community.
In each region across the country, judges selected a winner in eight categories such as Volunteers, Community Groups, Fundraisers and Carers.
For the Merseyside ceremony, which took place at Sefton Park, Liverpool, on Friday, September 30, Karen Hall was celebrated with the Key Worker Award.
Karen, who was nominated by her husband Ian, was recognised for her 20 years of cleaning work in the Hardshaw Centre in St Helens.
In addition to her persistent hard work, Karen is known to help out any customer or shop worker with anything that they need, from general assistance inside the shopping centre to giving away spare change for a taxi, or offering support and a five-minute chat.
The mum-of-two was also recognised for her work during the pandemic, where she worked day-in and day-out, and often by herself, to keep the Hardshaw Centre clean and residents safe from coronavirus.
Karen, 60, said: "The ceremony was absolutely fantastic and I've just been smiling all weekend after winning the award.
"I was really happy to be there but I didn't expect to win because they read out the stories of other key workers and they were amazing.
"I screamed in shock when they said I had won, and I would say it's the best night I've had since my wedding day 35 years ago."
When asked about her everyday good deeds, Karen added: "I don't really have much myself but if I can help somebody in any way, I know that goes a long way.
"People come to me with so many different things in the Hardshaw Centre and I just think that being nice and smiling costs nothing, so I'll always listen to people and try to help."
Karen's husband Ian said that he nominated her because she "thoroughly deserves it" and he has seen the hardships that she has been through while at work.
He added: "Karen has been through so much adversity in her job but she is still always happy to help everyone.
"She worked all through the pandemic, sometimes without the right PPE, but never moaned.
"She has been given verbal abuse from people but still she just carries on and does her best.
"I really think cleaners and workers like Karen need some recognition for what they do [...] and we are beyond thrilled that she has won the award."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here