9:40am Wednesday 7th October 2009
THE owner of a riding school for the disabled mixed with television stars at a ceremony to recognise the country’s unsung heroes.
Kath Miller runs Miller’s Nook Riding School in Westhoughton, with her partner Brian. She teaches about 90 children, with various different disabilities, every week.
Ms Miller, aged 51, was the North West finalist for the feelgood factor award at the Pride of Britain awards and was invited to the glitzy ceremony in London.
She also visited 10 Downing Street, to meet with the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, Secretary of State for Health and Leigh MP Andy Burnham, and Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly.
Ms Miller, said: “My head is still in the clouds — it was all so surreal.
“Sarah Brown was absolutely lovely. Her little boy Fraser was running around while we were there, so it was all very relaxed. She seemed very interested in what we were doing.
“The ceremony was amazing. We met so many famous people and they were all really lovely. We met Simon Cowell, Ronan Keating, Joanna Lumley, Nell McAndrew, Paul O’Grady, JLS, Carol Vorderman and loads more. Even Gordon Brown came up to us to say good luck.
“It is something I will be talking about for the rest of my life.
“I had a lovely time but I couldn’t wait to get back home to the kids and get my wellies on.”
Ms Miller and Mr Howard, aged 54, set up the riding school after trying to find somewhere for Ms Miller’s disabled grandson, Jimmy, to learn to ride.
They found the nearest suitable stables were in Liverpool or Burnley so decided to build one of their own on the Lostock Lane site.
The school hit the headlines in March when it was raided by thieves, who got away with £20,000 worth of equipment.
The school was forced to close temporarily, but managed to re-open after the community rallied round in support. However things are looking up for the school and Ms Miller and Mr Howard are fundraising for an indoor arena.
The Pride of Britain awards will be screened on ITV1, at 8pm tonight. Ms Miller did not win the feelgood factor award.
lucy.ewing@theboltonnews.co.uk
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