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Inverness woman wins 'local hero' recognition for helping thousands during Covid crisis


By Neil MacPhail

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Shelley Gill.
Shelley Gill.

INVERNESS woman Shelley Gill has been declared a local hero for helping set up a group that has helped thousands of people in the city and Highlands during the Covid crisis.

Dobbies garden centre selected Mrs Gill as one of its local heroes this Christmas, following a nationwide search for Not Your Average People.

With its national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, the national chain has said a special Thank You to Shelley with a festive gift from their local Dobbies store after she was nominated for her strong sense of community spirit, and her dedication in going above and beyond to make life for Inverness residents a little brighter in 2020.

Mrs Gill, a support worker, was nominated by her husband Dominic after she co-founded Acts of Kindness Inverness and Highlands in March of this year. She has been responsible for coordinating help for more than 4,000 people, providing care packs and hand delivering over 400 Easter eggs and books to local children, as well as bringing together a number of charities and support groups to help the local community.

Mr Gill said: “Shelley has worked tirelessly with her team and is still working to provide help to those in need in Inverness. Shelley is extremely deserving of this recognition. She seeks no thanks for the work she has done, and she has shown a kindness and willingness to help others every day.”

Mrs Gill said: “I am delighted to have been named a ‘local hero’ by Dobbies and Teenage Cancer Trust. I love living in Inverness and being a part of our kind, generous community, and I’m incredibly proud that Acts of Kindness Inverness and Highlands has made such a difference to our local area.”

The Not Your Average Person campaign was launched to coincide with Dobbies’ Christmas campaign, The Joy of Dobbies, which aims to bring to life the magical experience of a trip to Dobbies during the festive period.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “Christmas is a magical time of the year at Dobbies, and it’s great to celebrate Shelley, who has been spreading joy all year long. Together with Teenage Cancer Trust, it has been fantastic to hear about community heroes across the UK who have made a real difference, and we’re delighted to give back to them this Christmas.”

Laura Pearce at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so proud of our ongoing partnership with Dobbies, and the money raised by its stores across the land really does have a life-changing effect on the lives of teenagers and young people with cancer.

“It is a pleasure to be part of their campaign to highlight and thank amazing people who are making a difference to their local communities, and we’d like to wish each and every one of these people a very happy Christmas and New Year.”


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