Bushey volunteer handed YOPEY nomination (From Watford Observer)

Bushey volunteer handed YOPEY nomination

11:30am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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A former Bushey school pupil who befriended and helped an elderly widow has been nominated for an award that recognises the achievements of young people.

As part of her Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) bronze award, Katie Spurling, who went to St Margaret's School, decided to spend time with 86-year-old Phyllis Klinger.

She would complete household chores and fetch shopping, and their relationship has continued now that Katie is studying French at Birmingham University.

In recognition of her commitment and effort, Pam Beasley, the former DoE scheme officer at St Margaret's, in Merry Hill Road, nominated Katie for the Citygate Hertfordshire Young People of the Year award.

Pam said: “She had always been a helpful pupil who had always done more than was asked of her.

“Katie continued through the course of her silver and gold awards and the relationship developed to the point where Katie still keeps in touch.

“Katie was willing to help when she came around,” said Phyllis. “She was lovely and kind. It was a friend coming in and I appreciated her company.”

Katie, who lives in Stanmore, spent two hours every Sunday helping Phyllis, a neighbour of her grandmother.

And it was this experience that led her to attend a residential camp for adults with learning or physical disabilities, as part of her DoE gold award.

She said: “I started off by doing shopping, little jobs around the house and then maybe we would have a chat for an hour. I really enjoyed listening to her lifetime's experiences.

“I learned a lot about myself. I now know that I'm more patient and can deal with things better that would previously have upset me.”

The winner of Herts Young People of the Year will win £1,000 - £500 for themselves and £500 for a good cause.

Entries for this year's awards close on Sunday, March 21. To nominate someone, who must be aged ten to 25 and live, work or study in Hertfordshire, visit www.yopey.org.