The Unsung Hero Award - sponsored by Handepay

A CARING neighbour who goes the extra mile to help the Thatto Heath community had her selfless generosity recognised.

An emotional Kathleen Howard, 45, received the Handepay Unsung Hero award for her efforts to help those in need in her community.

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.

After receiving her award on stage, a tearful Kathleen said: ”I really didn’t expect this honestly because I don’t find myself any different to anybody in this room and I do it for all the kids whose mums and dads have got nothing. About 30 children a year I clothe them and feed them from my own home at Christmas time to make sure they’ve got a stocking filler at Christmas morning.”

Kathleen added: "I'm so excited for the children in Thatto Heath.

“It's not a well off community, it makes it amazing for them and we need that, the community know there's somewhere to go when they're in need."

Highly commended for the Unsung Hero award were David O’Dowd and Steve Pearce.