Clitheroe fund-raiser, 93, is a true charity diamond
5:00pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News
By Vanessa Cornall, Crime reporter
Kay Pinfold receives her award from Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, watched by Christine Harris, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, and Sue Collins, head of WRVS for the North West, Yorkshire and Humber
A SPRIGHTLY 93-year-old woman who spends her time visiting housebound and socially isolated people has been honoured by the WRVS.
Grandmother Kay Pinfold was named as one of the charity’s 60 Diamond Champions from the North West, Yorkshire and Humber regions.
The former PE teacher from Clitheroe volunteers several times a week with Age UK Lancashire and often visits pensioners younger than herself.
Kay was honoured at a glittering ceremony at York Guildhall and presented with a specially designed Diamond Champions pin along with a certificate signed by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, who are joint patrons of the awards.
Kay said: “I was quite surprised to hear about the award because I know there are people who do much more than me.
“It is lovely to be honoured, though, and I hope the publicity may make some other people think about volunteering.”
She offers her time as a befriender with Age UK, visiting elderly residents unable to get out and about or those who do not have any family support.
She also helps on the local Cancer Network, raising awareness of cancer risk in older people.
The pensioner, who still thinks nothing of walking the mile into town and back from her home, keeps active with regular walks 20 years after doctors said she would never walk again.
The widow was left with two broken legs after being knocked down on a zebra crossing in 1992.
But her sheer determination, which enables her to continue gardening, making jam and rambling, saw her recover Kay, who decided to do voluntary work after the death of husband Leslie 15 years ago, also helps out at Age UK functions, including sitting on various committees.
Linda Salazar, services co-ordinator for Age UK Lancashire, said: “Kay is one of our most dedicated volunteers and we’re thrilled that she’s been honoured in this way.
“She is an inspirational woman and a perfect example of someone making more of later life.”
