Woman who helps out Fishwick football side up for volunteering award

An unsung hero from Preston is in the running to be crowned as Lancashire’s Volunteer of the Year.

Jyoti Karri from Fishwick Rangers, a youth football side in the city, is one of four people unveiled on the Graham Liver breakfast show.

Launched by Dame Esther Rantzen the Community Heroes Awards 2018 aim to celebrate those people who make a contribution to the county.

BBC Radio Lancashire listeners were asked to nominate people who have made a difference to people’s lives in Lancashire.

Jyoti Karri said: “I actually brought my children here to take part in football sessions and I’ve ended up being a volunteer for the past five or six years.

“For working or single parents, it’s a place where they can drop their children off and know they are in safe hands and being looked after. It’s very nice to be recognised for the award.

“I enjoy it and I get a lot of satisfaction and happiness from seeing the kids happy.”

The other shortlisted entrants are Amanda Towers from Seelings Allotment in Padiham, Jayne Collins from The Serenity Cafe in Carnforth and Linda McEvilly from Care and Share in Blackpool.

Presenter Graham Liver said: “All four nominees for the Volunteer of the Year category are amazing. The judges have met and decided the four entries which will be shorted listed in each category. We will reveal them on Breakfast over the next few weeks in the run up to the awards evening in September.

“Every Monday I will announce on my Breakfast show who’s been shortlisted in a specific category and across the rest of the week you can hear about the amazing work that they have been doing throughout Lancashire. I have visited every single one of them and they are all lovely.”

The Community Heroes Awards takes place at Preston Guild Hall on Sunday 16 September from 6pm-10pm. Tickets are £25 and include a three course meal and live entertainment.