Sheffield awards recognise work of disability charity support volunteer Shelley Eggleston

A mum from Hillsborough has been honoured as an “unsung community hero”.
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Shelley Eggleston, who helps to run the parent support group Ray of Hope in the north of Sheffield, is the first winner of the David Woodhouse Community Award.

The annual award was set up by Sheffield Parent Carer Forum, a charity that supports parents of children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs.

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Funding for the award comes from donations made in memory of David Woodhouse, who died last year. His widow Deborah is one of the forum’s founding members.

First-ever David Woodhouse Community Award winner Shelley Eggleston, left, and David's widow, Deborah WoodhouseFirst-ever David Woodhouse Community Award winner Shelley Eggleston, left, and David's widow, Deborah Woodhouse
First-ever David Woodhouse Community Award winner Shelley Eggleston, left, and David's widow, Deborah Woodhouse

Forum trustee Jayne Woodward said: “David Woodhouse was a remarkable man – when he saw something that needed doing, he just did it.

“He worked tirelessly, without seeking recognition or reward, to improve the outcomes and life chances of vulnerable children and young people.

“We are so touched that Deborah thought of us when she had just lost David and was going through the worst time of her life.”

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Deborah said what the award means to her: “Although I am no longer a trustee of the forum, I still feel part of it. I am proud to have been there from the beginning and helped to set it up.

“I think the forum is a fantastic example of women coming together to do things for themselves and their community.

“It makes me so proud of David, and I can’t think of a better person than Shelley to receive this award.

“Shelley is incredibly kind and selfless. She cares passionately, not just about her own family, but about others who are in similar difficult situations."

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Shelley said: “It is lovely to be recognised but that’s not why I am doing the work I do.

“ I do it because I have been there myself; I remember how overwhelmed and confused I felt when my daughter had just been diagnosed.

“The help I got from other parents was invaluable and my daughter wouldn’t be the person she is today without their advice and support. Now I just want to pass it on.”

Shelley received a trophy, a cheque for £250 and vouchers for a spa experience and a meal.

The next round of nominations will open in October.

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