Hospice hero up for award

BLUEBELL Wood Children's Hospice has been a labour of love for Ann Humberstone for more than six years.

She first started talking about it at her local Women's Institute meetings, then her devotion snowballed into galas, fairs and groups across South Yorkshire.

Ann, now 70, often puts in as many as 40 hours a week as a volunteer - the same dedication people show to their full-time jobs - and her efforts have helped bring in 350,000 for what will be the county's only dedicated hospice for sick and terminally ill children.

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The first youngsters will arrive next month, before the Dinnington-based hospice opens fully next year catering for eight children and families full-time and a further 200 with part-time and community care.

Now Ann has been put forward for an annual Yorkshire Award, which honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to the county.

She has been chosen as one of three finalists in the Community Hero Awards section of the BBC-run prizes, and will find out if she has won at a dinner in Leeds a week on Friday.

The former civil servant, who lives in Wickersley, said: "I feel a little bemused at the moment after hearing the news.

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"I did not realise they thought so much of me at the hospice. I feel so proud and privileged to have been nominated but there are so many people there who put in so much effort.

"It's a really great cause and I wouldn't have put so much work into anything else. It's been very fulfilling and you only have to see the kids that it will benefit to feel like it's all worth it. I spend a lot of time spreading the word at schools, galas and fairs around the county, raising support and awareness for the hospice. It's a wonderful thing to be involved in."

A hospice spokeswoman said: "Ann builds personal relationships with everyone she meets and never misses an opportunity to spread the word about Bluebell Wood. Her enthusiasm and boundless energy is incredible at 70."

Telephone voting will take place at the end of this week - the numbers to ring will be given out during tomorrow and Friday evening's editions of BBC1's Look North.

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