Diamond Doreen’s a true champion

Doreen Smith: diamond champion

A BRAVE great-grandma who battled back from the brink of death has been named one of 10 “Diamond Champions” around the region.

Doreen Smith (82) of Abbeyhills Road, Alt, has been named in an award scheme that recognises outstanding volunteer work.

Doreen is best known for her healng hands: in 2007 she learned Reiki to help calm her husband, who suffered from dementia. After his death she continued to use her skills on members of the Oldham Carers’ Group - even though in 2008 she suffered pneumonia and a debilitating stroke, which left her unable to speak. Friends at the Oldham Stroke Association helped her to recover enough to contiue her sessions, and today she volunteers at the carers’ group every Tuesday and the stroke club each Wednesday.

Diamond Champions celebrates the contribution over-60s make by volunteering. A national judging panel will draw up a shortlist of nominees to attend a gala dinner in London in January.