Unsung hero - National award for local volunteer

An ‘unsung hero’ from north Sheffield has been recognised with a National community award presented by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Gary Chamberlain setup HOWWL back in December 2019 with the vision to build on the strengths of the community and provide help to those vulnerable within the communities of Oughtibridge, Worrall, Wharncliffe Side and Wadsley Park Village.

Through ‘Covid’ volunteers have delivered over 1500 bags of groceries to those in need and delivered 81 turkeys at Christmas to families in need.

The award ceremony is to be aired on ITV on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm, was hosted earlier this month at Westminster Abbey.

Gary,59, a retired civil servant was nominated for the award by Alex Archer and Peter Burchill from the local Co-op store. Alex said of the group “They do brilliant work to support mental wellbeing…They worked incredibly hard to set up a food bank during lockdown to support families in need. Alongside this, they ran a prescription delivery service for those self-isolating.”.

Miriam Cates MP said "HOWWL have been a fantastic support network to our communities during the pandemic …HOWWL is a wonderful example of how volunteering can empower and enrich communities."