Freelance artist Amanda is one in a million

DEVOTED: freelance artist Amanda Brown

ONE in a million — that’s how friends and neighbours of Amanda Brown describe her.

The 41-year-old, of Henley Street in Chadderton, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award for her devotion to making her community a better place.

The mother of one is a freelance artist who runs art sessions for families at Gallery Oldham.

She also goes into schools to teach art to children and helps out with art work at carnivals and events across Oldham.

Over the years, Amanda has spent time with various housing organisations and tenants associations to help them get art activities started to give residents something to do.

Amanda is also a cleaner at Gallery Oldham and works tirelessly to keep the building looking tidy and fresh for visitors.

She said: “I have always done voluntary work and really enjoy meeting new people and helping as many people as possible.

“I work with a wide range of different people and it’s really interesting interacting with them all and helping them to understand art better.”

Her husband Christopher, a teacher, is also a keen community volunteer and supports Amanda’s efforts.

She said: “He understands why I do what I do. We are both interested in helping others and he always pushes me to be the best I can be. He is my rock.

“I love what I do and will keep doing it for as long as I possibly can. It feels wonderful to be nominated for a Pride in Oldham award. It is a shock but it is great to be recognised for the things I do.”

Friend Shaleen Jones, who nominated Amanda, said: “I speak for many people when I say she truly is one in a million.

“She brings together people from a number of different backgrounds in terms of age and race and she is never too busy to help anyone.

“She is very caring and has time and patience for everyone. There are not enough words to say what a wonderful woman she is and we are all very proud of her.”