Debbie Thornton, the volunteer who chairs Sholver Community Centre and organises local litter picks, has been named First Choice Homes Oldham’s April Hidden Hero.

The mother-of-one received her certificate and £50 voucher at the centre earlier this month, where she also serves as bookings secretary and hosts FCHO’s affordable food scheme, The Bread and Butter Thing.

“I’m over the moon to receive this and really grateful to First Choice Homes for giving it to me, it means a lot to be thought of,” Thornton said. “I do what I do because I want to make a difference in my community. Helping others genuinely brings me joy and right now it feels more important than ever to build a strong sense of community.”

Tanisha Rigby, FCHO customer involvement officer, nominated her. “If you ask people in Sholver and Moorside what makes their community centre work so well, Debbie’s name often comes up,” Rigby said. “She gives a huge amount of her time to helping the centre remain a welcoming place where people can meet, connect and support one another. What makes Debbie a Hidden Hero is the dedication she shows to the people around her. She volunteers her time, supports local initiatives and helps create opportunities for neighbours to come together.”

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