Supergran Dena makes the Pride of Britain final
A GREEN-FINGERED great-gran who helps convicts repay their debt to society through gardening is in the running for The Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards.
Dena Murphy, from New Moston, uses her love of gardening to encourage offenders to learn new skills.
Despite being aged in her 80s, the north Manchester pensioner shows an energy and commitment that puts people a quarter of her age to shame. She is one of the community heroes who were honoured at the launch night of the Pride of Britain TSB Community Partner Awards at Speaker’s House in the Houses of Parliament.
Dena, 88, has now been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Pride of Briain award for her work helping vulnerable people in the community, as chairman of charity NEPHRA Good Neighbours.
The charity feeds 50 people every week with food from the group’s allotment in New Moston, and runs a mums and tots group, as well as internet classes for the elderly.
Dena was one of the finalists who attended this week’s launch event, also attended by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Conservative Communities Secretary Sajid Javid and Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable. Speaking of her nomination, Dena said: “It’s terrific, I can’t believe I was one of the finalists out of thousands of nominations. Everybody was extremely nice at the ceremony, we got served little nibbles. There was lots of photographs. Host Carol Vorderman was extremely nice. She’s very bubbly and looks half her age. I don’t for one minute think I’m going to win – I just work within the community as best as I can.” Dena also works with offenders who are carrying out community service at the allotment. Speaking of her work, she said: “I enjoy working with the young men. I have worked with them for nine years. I have never ever had a bad word from any of them. They respect me. I have met some amazing friends through it. Kids come to me with their problems.”
The Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, is the biggest national event of its kind, and is broadcast every year in a primetime slot on ITV. The star-studded ceremony will be held at Grosvenor House in London later this month.
Commenting on the remarkable achievements of all finalists, Carol Vorderman said: “Pride of Britain winners are the unsung heroes that make Britain a great place. It’s a privilege to be joined by some fantastic community champions from all over Britain.”