Christine’s community work awarded

A Whiston woman who was named the North West’s Tenant of the Year for her tireless community work is now heading to a national final in Birmingham.

Christine Doyle has spent 42 years helping her community and picked up the prestigious award at the TPAS – or the Tenant Participation Advisory Service – awards for the North West in February.

The Knowsley Housing Trust tenant was put forward by the housing association for her dedication over the last four decades.

She will now head to the TPAS national finals on July 28.

Christine, 69, of Haslemere Road, said: “It made my day that the KHT officers I work with thought enough of me to even nominate me. I will be honoured just to be at the final.

“I have always thought that if you really want something you have got to go out and get it. That is what volunteering is all about – making things happen yourself.”

The awards recognise and celebrate tenants who go the extra mile, making communities safer and more desirable places to live.

Christine has been a champion for local residents. She started out as a young mum setting up a group for parents and children in her area. There has been no stopping her since and she has been involved with countless community projects.

She sits on KHT’s tenant board for her area and was Mayor of Whiston in 2002. She is also a member of the Four Seasons Resident Association in Prescot which received the prize for Resident Association of the Year at KHT’s Community Impact Awards last year.

One of Christine’s biggest achievements was to take 90 disadvantaged children on holiday with lottery funding nine years ago, after her third bid for money was accepted.

And she recently trained as an Eco Champion with help from KHT and can now advise other tenants on the best utility tariffs that could save them money.

Terry Bonner, Operational Director of Landlord Services at KHT, said: “We are very proud that Christine’s work has been recognised and we hope she inspires others to get involved in their local area. We wish her every luck at the final.”

 Photograph of Christine receiving her Tpas award at the North West final.