Why we’ve opened our own house to 2,000 homeless lads Pride of Britain couple vow their door is still open
WHEN Ann and Terry Panks won their Pride of Britain Award in 2012, they had already offered shelter and hope to 1,000 young drifters in their own home.
Four years on, that number has doubled – and the extraordinary couple, now in their 80s, show no sign of slowing down.
Ann says: “Winning the award felt like a promotion at work. It really drove us on and we’ll keep on as long as we’re able.
“Now we’re older and remind residents of their grandparents, I think it’s easier for them to form a relationship with us.
EMOTION
“Young men often sleep in coats and layers of clothes, like on the streets. Seeing them gradually feeling at home and dressing normally makes all the emotion worthwhile.”
As we launch our search for the stars of the 2016 Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, we are revisiting some memorable winners.
Ann and Terry, who are not paid for their efforts, turned their home in Wythenshawe, Gtr Manchester, into a refuge for young homeless men in 1980.
Most come to them through the probation service, social services or care homes.
The couple have a lway s worke d without fanfare and can sti l l scarcely believe they won a Pride of Britain Award – presented by Holly Willoughby and Paddy McGuinness.
Ann, 80, says: “The evening of the Pride of Britain still feels like a dream. When we came back to the lads they all said Holly was a glamour queen and they wished they’d met her too.
“There were so many amazing people giving their lives to do good. We had a lovely chat with Dawn French, and Carol Vorderman couldn’t have been nicer. But one of the best things was hearing from one of our former residents, Brian, who got back in touch after seeing us on telly.
“He was an imp with us, but he rang to say he’d started his own IT business and would help with our computers any time.
“We were thrilled to hear how a young man who had been in all sorts of trouble was doing so well with his life.”
Terry, 82, said: “I’ve been invited to do a little talk at my old school and asked to bring the trophy.
“If I pop to the shops people still say, ‘I saw you on the telly’ and congratulate me and Ann. That gives us such a lift.”
The couple’s home, Copperdale, is a former police station, extended to offer ten bedrooms for residents.
A disused church is home to a gym, music studio, IT suite and meeting hall – and has also
become a focal point for the local community.
Ann and Terry help residents apply for college or jobs. But, says Terry: “Even more importantly, we spend a lot of time just talking to the lads about their lives.”
Terry believes there are people working to transform communi-
ties in across the country. He said: “We all know someone that does a great deal of good. We need people to shine a light on them.
“A Pride of Britain award really does what it says – because seeing the good things people do helps make the whole country proud.”