A HAIRDRESSER who has delivered more than 4,000 toys to homes across the borough has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Adele Richards, of Falcon Drive in Birdwell, has been praised after helping with the borough’s Toy Appeal – which helped collect and donate thousands of toys to families.
The 54-year-old, who works at Reflections Salon on Dodworth Road, encouraged her customers and friends to donate to the cause.
Adele said: “We gave presents to children from families that had come from hardship or were out of work due to the pandemic.
“To be low on funds when you have children and particularly at Christmas, it can be heartbreaking.
“As well as this, I started an easter egg appeal where I asked for donations of eggs for children for Barnsley Hospital.
“My aim was to put smiles on their faces whilst they were in hospital or having treatment. I asked for people to buy a extra egg whilst shopping, then I’d collect it.”
Alongside her work, Adele has joined CVS (Community Volunteering Services) where she has been covering marshals for vaccines and call-handling.
“I’m loving every minute of ringing residents to offer them the vaccine.
“Their joy and emotion comes through and there’s that tiny bit of hope in the phone call.
“For me, it’s all about community spirit and helping each other.
“In the first lockdown I made lots of face masks and bought a lot from the NHS to raise their funds too.
“I bought more than 50 masks using my tips from hairdressing, so it was a win-win.
“With these masks, I resold them to make money for Barnsley lad Oliver Stephenson’s journey to beat neuroblastoma.”
Adele’s tireless work has landed her a nomination in the Volunteer of the Year category at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.
“I’m over the moon to be nominated – it’s not like me to be lost for words,” Adele added.
“This news has blown me away. I’m so surprised and so extremely grateful.
“Community is something I’m very proud of, I’m proud to be a Barnsley girl and giving something back to the community is something I love.”
