A CHARITY organiser has been nominated for this year’s York Community Pride Awards for her work that has helped provide children and families with support and life skills.

Claire Douglas has been nominated for The Person of the Year accolade, sponsored by Benenden Health, after setting up a charity, entitled Big Futures Foundation that supports families and children in Tang Hall Primary and Haxby Road Academy.

Mrs Douglas was nominated by Vic Klays, who also works for the Big Futures Foundation, for the support the charity has made for children at both schools.

He said: “Claire is an ex-teacher whose sense of public duty and service is quite exceptional. She spends an incredible amount of her own time trying to help her local community in Heworth and Tang Hall.

“Two years ago she single-handedly set up a charity called Big Futures Foundation to help and support families and children in Tang Hall Primary and Haxby Road Primary Academy.

“The charity provides children and their families with the emotional wellbeing support and life skills development needed for success in their education, work and personal lives from age five, right through to when they go to work.

“Claire has already raised tens of thousands of pounds for this cause, that has already provided both schools with a counsellor for one day a week throughout the year, a service that few other schools are able to provide themselves.

“She is also the chair of the trustees of the Tang Hall Community Centre, which provides invaluable services, who together with the other trustees, has now managed to secure a more stable financial future for the centre.

“Claire’s determination, sense of social justice and sheer dedication and hard work on behalf of others means that it is hard to nominate her for one category alone. Indeed, she personifies what these awards are all about.”

Mrs Douglas, who was elected as a councillor for Labour, at the local elections earlier this month said: “What a fantastic honour to be nominated for the Person of the Year award. I’m so proud of the work Big Futures Foundation is doing in my community. It’s such a joy to see children coming to school ready to learn, making the most of their talents and interests and enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who’s supported us along the way.”

Entries can be posted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York Y01 9YN. Or Submit nominations online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride by Friday, July 26. Nominations must include a supporting statement and may include a photo, which we are unable to return.