84-year-old 'Mama Norma' honoured for furniture cleaning volunteering in Chadderton

An 84-year-old Chadderton woman who's been cleaning donated furniture for a local charity for nearly a decade has been named a 'Hidden Hero' by First Choice Homes Oldham. Gloria McKinley, known affectionately as 'Mama Norma' at the Support and Action for Women's Network (SAWN), was surprised with a certificate and £50 shopping voucher for her tireless volunteering.

Mrs McKinley has been helping out at SAWN since 2016, cleaning furniture and household items donated by FCHO and other organisations. The items she cleans are then sold at low cost or given free to people experiencing hardship in the community. 'At nearly 85 years old, Gloria is a true inspiration to us all,' said Audrey Murphy, SAWN's programmes and engagement lead.

The retired factory worker says volunteering keeps her active and gives her purpose. 'If I were at home, I'd just be sitting down watching the television, but coming here gets me out of the house,' she explained. 'It's a wonderful feeling to be recognised, but really, I do it because it's where I belong.

SAWN describes Mrs McKinley as 'an excellent community ambassador who embodies exactly how a community should function.' Her work provides low-cost or free furniture to residents experiencing hardship while creating a support network through volunteer engagement. For Mrs McKinley, it's about more than just cleaning furniture-it's about staying connected and making a difference in her community.