Former Sheffield banker dedicated to helping elderly combat loneliness scoops community award

And her change of profession has proved to be rewarding, as she has been named the latest champion of The Moor Community Award.

The 64-year-old, who runs Superjam Tea Parties and Friendship Lunches – events aimed at giving the guests a chance to socialise – said the idea came soon after she joined the care sector.

“When I decided to leave HSBC after 34 years and move into the care sector, I realised just how huge a problem loneliness was.

“I found this particularly so for those living with dementia and their families or carers,” said Ms Markwick, who currently works as independent community services consultant.

She said her events had been life-changing for some of her friends, as they offered invaluable respite for their loved ones.

“It is very sad that sometimes when a family member receives a diagnosis of dementia, many relatives or friends keep their distance, which is a time when they most need their support.

“The events give people an opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation, to dine, to dance and for a few hours leave the dementia on one side,” she said.

Although she was surprised by the win, she feels that it is recognising the work that she does.

“I know that many people, groups and businesses are replicating Superjam Tea Parties and Friendship Lunches, which is brilliant as collectively, we are all doing amazing work to help those who suffer from loneliness.

“I hope the ensuing publicity will encourage more people to come on board,” she said.

Commenting on the win, Centre Manager for The Moor Sheffield, Amanda Phillips said: “I thought it (what she does) was adorable. What an amazing thing to do, as it is so unique. And bringing the community and the people is just awesome.

“Somebody giving of themselves unselfishly is something that we should be rewarding.”

The Moor Community Award is a campaign to recognise unsung heroes throughout the city where the winners will be given monetary rewards of £250 to help with their cause.

The campaign is in association with Aberdeen Standard Investment (ASI), which owns The Moor.

In addition to the cash prize, Ms Markwick also received £20 shopping voucher courtesy of Next.

And she said the money would certainly help her in organising more events in the near future.

“I am going to start a new Friendship Lunch at the Phoenix in Ridgeway, sponsor the entertainment at the second Friendship Lunch at the bottom Red Lion in Grenoside and the inaugural event at the Norfolk Arms in Chapeltown.

“The remainder of the funds will be used to establish as Superjam Tea Party in Sheffield,” she said.

Hundreds of elderly people have taken part in both Superjam Team Parties and Friendship Lunches as they gain traction across South Yorkshire and now Lincolnshire.

The Star is now looking for another unsung hero who deserves to take the spotlight as Sheffield’s next community champion.

To nominate a winner, the public are welcome to email [email protected] and tell us who you have picked and why, where they are from and include contact details.