Sep 21 2008
Alison Cronin presents “Hero of Year” Award
From Daily Echo:
A WOMAN who dedicates every day of her life to helping the homeless, stroke victims and families has been crowned Bournemouth’s Hero of the Year.
Gwen White, a volunteer for Winton Salvation Army, was also given the Community Spirit Award at the Unsung Hero Awards, organised by Bournemouth 2026.
Speaking after the ceremony at the Carrington House Hotel, the 76-year-old grandmother from Southbourne said: “I enjoy what I do.
” I love people and have so much love in my heart that I like to help them. I’m very shocked and humbled to have won this award.”
The awards were hosted by the Daily Echo’s news editor Andy Martin, the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Stephen Chappell, and Alison Cronin of Monkey World, who paid a moving tribute to her late husband Jim, founder of the animal sanctuary at Wool.
She said: “Jim was a great believer that every single person could make a difference and he believed in the spirit of the unsung hero.
“Jim was a hero in many people’s eyes and all of his characteristics of passion, focus, drive and giving are present in the finalists of these awards.”
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