At a special tea party for older volunteers, Emily announced that Kathleen Hughes, is the 2007 winner of Emily's Older Hero of the Year Award. Kathleen won the award because of her tireless work to set up and run the Braithwaite House Tenants and Management Organisation (TMO).
Kathleen was one of more than twenty nominees from across Islington for the award. Emily was so impressed by the nominations that she decided hold a tea party at the Claremont Project near Angel for all those nominated to thank them for their work.
At the tea party Emily announced that, after much thought, she had picked Kathleen for the award. Emily's main reason for picking Kathleen was that when visiting Braithwaite House she had seen what a difference a well-run run TMO can make.
Emily said:
"Over my time as a Member of Parliament I have learnt just how important volunteers are to holding our community together. I invited everyone nominated to the tea party because although I am only allowed to pick one winner I wanted to recognise the work done by all the nominees. I picked Kathleen because anyone who walks into Braithwaite House can tell what an enormous difference she has made."
Kathleen will now attend a reception on the House of Commons terrace to be presented with a special certificate and formally take over the title. She will mingle with MPs and fellow heroes from across the country at the event, which is organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Volunteering.
Editors' notes:
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Emily's tea party for Islington volunteers was held at 4.30pm on Saturday 2nd June at the Claremont Project, White Lion Street near Angel, N1.
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The older volunteers invited were all nominated by schools and charities from across the constituency for Emily's Older Hero of the Year award. The Older Hero's award is given annually by Emily Thornberry to an older hero who has helped the local community.
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Last year's winner was Johnny Chilton. Johnny was a regular volunteer at the Age Concern Drovers Centre on North Road, N7, which provides a range of activities for people over 60. Johnny won the award for his help at the Drovers Centre making tea, washing up, moving furniture, running errands, doing escorting and visiting members when in hospital.
