“SHE is the most giving, generous and amazing person you could ever want to meet.”
Those are the words used to describe Latchford’s Gemma Barber by friend Sian Vickers who nominated the 28-year-old winner of the Good Neighbour award at the Warrington Guardian's Inspiration Awards on Thursday.
When Sian’s house was hit by fire, Gemma sprang into action and set up her own home as a drop-off point for donations proving to be shining example of being on hand to help in a crisis.
And she doesn’t just stop there, whether it’s from shopping for a poorly neighbour and taking her to appointments or helping to clean up a house through the night after another family’s chimney fire, she epitomises the definition of being a good friend.
Yet according to an emotional Gemma, who described herself as ‘gobsmacked’ to receive the award, it’s ‘just what you do’ when your community needs help.
“There’s no ulterior motive, it’s just about being a decent person,” she said, much of which she accredits to her parents.
“I couldn’t be the person I am today without my mum and dad. They made me the person I am today. But so have all the other people who have supported me through the hard times.
“I am in total shock to win this. My other half told me I should make a speech just in case, but I just really didn’t think I’d win – I’m so emotional right now, it feels amazing.”
Neighbour Sian added: “She’s absolutely deserves this – she’s incredible. She rallies around the community, she looks after everyone, we’re so proud of her.”
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