Isabel scoops up Local Hero award
The “World’s Best Grandma” picks up this month’s Local Hero Award, not only in recognition of being the kindest, most caring grandma in the world but also for her voluntary work at The Good Neighbourhood Network in Dedridge for the last five years.
Isabel Ness from Livingston was nominated by granddaughter Kirstin Totten (18) as she felt the time had come for her grandma, who juggles everything to help the family and people in the community, to be recognised and rewarded for the great work she does, despite suffering from leukaemia.
Kirstin said her gran puts everyone else first and never complains about her health problems.
Kirstin added: “My gran is an amazing woman.
“She does so much for our family without ever expecting anything back and so much for The Good Neighbourhood Network in Dedridge, looking out for everyone.
“For years she cared for my great grandmother, while looking after me during the weekends while my mum and dad worked full-time.
“Her strength really shone through when she broke her back after slipping on an icy path while visiting my grandad’s graveside and decided to walk the pain off. “She didn’t want to cause a fuss. “Her back healed but she is still in pain every day, but never complains.
“She smiles through the pain and still continues to make us all a home-cooked dinner daily.”
And Isabel’s caring efforts extend beyond her own nearest and dearest.
Whilst looking after the family, including all four grandchildren, Isabel has been heavily involved in The Good Neighbourhood Network in Dedridge, which provides practical help, social opportunities and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages.
But despite all her efforts, Isabel is very modest about everything she has done and said she was surprised and thrilled to be the recipient of this month’s Local Hero title.
Isobel said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the Local Hero Award. “I never expected to be nominated. “I believe family is of huge importance. “At the end of the day, I get to come home to such a loving family who make me very happy and who constantly tell me how much they appreciate me and I’m forever grateful for them.”
The award, which was set up in the summer of 2016, is designed to reward and recognise the great work people in the community do and pay tribute to them with a certificate and £100 gift card, courtesy of The Centre.
Jennifer Bruce, marketing manager of The Centre, said Isabel thoroughly deserves to receive the award.
She said: “What a very special woman Isabel is which is clear to see in the eyes of not only her grandchildren but in the people she is very close to and helps out through The Good Neighbourhood Network in Dedridge.
“We are delighted she is our winner this month - another remarkable person in the community who should be recognised and rewarded for her time, effort and energy spent on a daily basis looking after people and making a big difference.”
If you know someone who should be recognised and rewarded for the great work they are doing in the community, whether it is raising money for a local charity, looking after an elderly neighbour or volunteering in a community group, please send the details to debbie.hall@trinitymirror.com.