Pride of St Helens 2024 - Unsung Hero shortlist

We're profiling the shortlisted nominees this week - here are the profiles of the three in the running for the Pride of St Helens Unsung Hero, sponsored by Handepay. 

David O’Dowd

(Image: DAVID O’Dowd, with son Thomas)

DAVID O’Dowd is someone who dedicates so much time to help sport across St Helens and beyond.

David, from Carr Mill, does an incredible amount of work through his involvement in the local snooker scene and for youth rugby league across the north west.

Despite having a full-time job at the money change bureau at Tesco in Haydock, and facing his own health challenges, David is a tireless volunteer with the St Helens and District Snooker leagues.

Having been involved for more than 26 years, he has been on the committee for nearly two decades and has been the main person running the leagues, involving dozens of teams and hundreds of players.

Despite being diagnosed with FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) David ensures the leagues run smoothly through his work behind the scenes.

The St Helens & District leagues comprising of leagues on Wednesday and Thursday nights, 40-plus teams and hundreds of players.

David, 48, is also the Secretary of North West Counties Youth Rugby League and runs the competitions for ages 13 to 15 year-olds including Leagues and Cups, and has done this for 10 years.

All of this is voluntary and David is loved and respected by so many for his dedication.

Wife Karen, who nominated David, said: “He devotes a lot of time behind the scenes, people don’t realise how much he puts in and I am so very proud.”

Kathleen Howard

(Image: Kathleen Howard)

KATHLEEN Howard is one who always makes an effort to help others. Described as an “exceptional character” and “larger than life”, Kat often goes the extra mile to help those around Thatto Heath and beyond, across St Helens.

Kat has become known as a kind most caring neighbour and friend to many, whether she knows someone or not she will always reach out to help others.

Kat volunteers every week at the Willowbrook Hospice in town and constantly uses her wide social network to reach out to ask for donations.

She is the first port of call for so many families around St Helens and in particular Thatto Heath when they are struggling, whether that be with clothes, food, furniture or anything.

Kat never turns anyone away and has even emptied her own cupboards to make sure no-one goes without.

A real pillar of the community, she always makes a special effort at Halloween, Christmas and Easter to decorate the outside of her home so that local children can enjoy her fabulous displays.

Nominating Kat, friend Colette Eden said: “When people are asking for things she is always the first to help.

"She’s a truly genuine person. Everyone would say she deserves an award for everything she does.

“She does it all quietly, she’s that type of person. She doesn’t so anything for any other reason than being a genuine and caring person.”

Steve Pearce

(Image: Steve Pearce)

STEVE Pearce retired after 18 years of volunteering working at the Salvation Army.

With a background in catering, Steve, from Parr, secured a facility manager role at the Salvation Army 18 years ago, which opened his eyes to the struggles people face.

This encouraged him to look for further ways where he could help others as much as possible.

Contacting food shops and supermarkets for help, Steve began driving round to pick up unused food items, end-of-the-line clothes, toiletries and everyday essentials, to donate to those in need.

As the idea grew, Steve began working with national organisations and he would set off at 6am every morning to pick up donated items, and then deliver them to charities and food banks after his Salvation Army shifts.

Predominantly, Steve would deliver the donated items to the Sexton Avenue Community Centre, St Helens Foodbank, Prescot Foodbank, and Teardrops.

Steve, 66, has also worked with the St Helens Freemasons to help out the local community.

Friend Steve Bartell, who nominated him, said: “He deserves recognition as he was a silent person all through his help to thousands of people.

“He did all that work and he wasn’t doing it for the thanks, as long as people got stuff to help them through the day.

“He did it all in his own time at weekends as well as going out every morning collecting food and giving it out and even going out to neighbours who were stuck over Christmas.”