Stellar charity work by octogenarian Stella

AN octogenarian, whose poverty-stricken childhood inspired her to help underprivileged children around the world, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Stella Hicks (82), who lives at Coppice Care Home, in Chadderton, spends all day, every day, knitting hats and scarves for the Samaritan’s Purse shoe box appeal via Hollingworth Methodist Church, in Tameside.

Care assistant Charly Moore, who nominated her for the award, said: “When I say she knits a lot, she even knits while eating her meals! She buys all her own wool with her own money and Stella deserves to be noticed for the remarkable work and effort she puts into this every year.

“She truly is an inspiration to me. She’s a lovely lady and always has a smile on her face and I always have a chat with her. She makes everyone around her happy.”

An emotional Stella was overwhelmed by the nomination, and said: “I am very flattered and surprised to be nominated for the Pride award.

“I had a very poor childhood but we always got a doll at Christmas where as these children wouldn’t get anything if it wasn’t for Samaritan’s Purse.

“I’ve had some bad times in recent years, especially after a lost my husband in a car accident. I had a massive breakdown that lasted for 10 years. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t laugh and I couldn’t cry.

“It was starting knitting which helped me on the road to recovery. It gives my life purpose, I have no children of my own, this fills the days for me. I’m doing something I love to help people who have nothing and that makes me happy.”