How Alex lends a helping hand wherever she can
ALEX Gates is a real community hero.
A resident at Ivy Lodge supported living accommodation in Thurnscoe, Alex volunteers at most local events throughout the Dearne and is keen to help wherever she can.
“I just want to help people as much as I can – it’s just the kind of person I am,” said Alex, 32.
Nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award, Alex’s list of voluntary roles is impressive.
As well as helping out at the new skate park in Goldthorpe, she has also been busy meeting guests and showing them to their seats at an outdoor cinema event, litter picking at the local park ready for the judging of Britain in Bloom and manning the shop and taking payments at the local Slimming World club.
And Alex’s hard work doesn’t stop there – she also supports children at Station House in the breakfast and after school clubs, helps maintain the Goldthorpe Railway
Embankment and helped clear the former Horse and Groom site ready for the new market.
Alex also helps support families at events run by Uniform Fairy which supplies pre-owned school uniforms and other items to families in need.
“I love helping out and it’s great to help kids get what I didn’t get,” said Alex, who has learning difficulties and has lived in Thurnscoe for around 15 years.
The Proud of Barnsley nomination paid tribute to Alex’s hard work and dedication to her community: “Many events in the Dearne are extremely lucky to have Alex’s ongoing support and many wouldn’t be able to function as effectively as they do without her invaluable and constant input.
“We really do appreciate her time and effort – she’s very deserving of the recognition.”
Alex said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked by the nomination and I am really happy that someone has taken the time to do this for me.”