A BARNSLEY woman who has helped support the residents of Kendray in a variety of ways has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Catherine Winder, 53, of Kendray, has been keeping her neighbours’ spirits high during lockdown, but the love for her community has been alive for much longer.
She said: “I’m currently in the process of raising money to take some of the kids to the seaside once lockdown is over and we’re allowed to do so.
“I’m wanting to take as many children as we possibly can, along with their parents, and we’re just short of £1,000 in that respect.
“We do go on quite a few day trips – it’s all about keeping spirits high.”
Catherine raises funds by holding cake sales, raffles and places football cards and tins in shops when she is able to.
She is also a full-time carer, whilst also looking after her disabled son – but this doesn’t stop Catherine trying to do all she can to raise the spirits of her beloved Kendray.
“I do cake stalls outside of my house and things such as raffles – it’s just about helping the community out.” she added.
“There’s tins around shops in Kendray and we even host socially-distanced bingo on a Sunday afternoon in the park and loads of people get involved.”
Catherine is well known across her area and she always makes sure that the children have something to be wear – whether it be normal clothes or school uniforms.
Upon hearing of her nomination in the Community Hero category, Catherine was confused that someone would want to nominate her.
She said: “I don’t really understand why anyone would want to nominate me, I’m a bit shocked to be honest.
“I’m really surprised with this because all I want to do is help the community out, I’ve been here since 1986 and it’s an amazing place to live.
“Kendray gets quite a bad rep but everyone always pulls together in times of need – it’s a fantastic community.”
