Oldham volunteer Debbie Thornton honoured for community service

Debbie Thornton, a 52-year-old volunteer from Sholver, has been named First Choice Homes Oldham's Hidden Hero for April 2026 in recognition of her tireless work supporting the local community. Thornton serves as chair and bookings secretary at Sholver Community Centre, where she helps coordinate activities and keeps the facility running smoothly for residents.

Beyond her role at the community centre, Thornton regularly participates in litter picks to keep the area clean and takes part in FCHO's Customer Engagement Network, where she helps shape local housing and community services. The centre hosts The Bread and Butter Thing, an affordable food initiative that provides low-cost groceries to families in need.

Tanisha Rigby, FCHO's customer involvement officer, nominated Thornton for the award, praising her dedication to maintaining the centre as a welcoming space where neighbours can connect. 'If you ask people in Sholver and Moorside what makes their community centre work so well, Debbie's name often comes up,' Rigby said.

Thornton received a certificate and £50 voucher at the centre earlier this month. She told the Chronicle she was 'over the moon' to receive the recognition, adding that helping others brings her genuine joy and that building community connections feels more important than ever. Her work ensures local residents have access to affordable food, clean streets, and a place to gather and support one another.