Castleford Community Food Pantry Team
Castleford Community Food Pantry collects surplus food and distributes it to local people in need. In that relatively short time, the pantry has grown to support more than 500 families. Behind the scenes is a committed group of volunteers who have spent the last two years giving their time to help run the pantry.
Catherine Brocklesby
Catherine volunteers for a number of local organisations, including Open Country and Wakefield Sight Aid. For many years, she has helped people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside and events they may not otherwise have been able to attend. As an experienced telephone befriender, Catherine also provides a listening ear to isolated members of our community once a week.
Chris Lord — Wakefield Tech4All
Chris is the founder of WakeyTech4All, which helps children and adults who might otherwise struggle to access technology. He refurbishes devices that would otherwise go to landfill and donates them to children, families, adults, and charities in need. He also gives much-needed technical advice and explanation in simple terms. Chris's continued commitment and that of his team help local people access opportunities that come from being digitally connected.
Claire Crossdale — Remember Barnbow
Claire has dedicated a considerable amount of her spare time researching the Barnbow Lasses, some of whom came from communities across the Five Towns. Her work has uncovered and preserved the stories of women whose contributions to the war effort, including those who lost their lives in the 1916 explosion, didn’t receive the recognition they deserved at the time. Through her painstaking research, Claire has helped ensure an important part of our local history isn’t forgotten.
Donna Wheatley
Donna runs a uniform bank in Hemsworth that helps local families on limited budgets access school uniform and other essential items of clothing when they need them. She spends hours of her time each week collecting, washing, repairing, and organising uniform donations, which makes a real difference to children and families in her community.
Ella Durrant
At just 16 years old, Ella is using an incredibly difficult experience from her life to help other people understand the impact of suicide. She lost her dad when she was ten years old, and she now speaks to groups in her spare time about men’s mental health and the effect suicide can have on families. Ella has also shared her experience with GP surgeries and in various workplaces; she speaks openly about something deeply personal in the hope her experience may help others.
Katy Medley — My Eco Baby CIC
Katy founded My Eco Baby CIC to give back to a community that helped her when she needed support after having her son. She spends hours each week sorting through donations and making sure the shop is restocked and ready for the people who use it. Her dedication doesn't end when the doors close, as she continues to respond to calls and emails and think of new fundraising ideas to support people within the community. It’s a commitment that takes a great deal of time and energy, both in the shop and behind the scenes.
Kirstin Love
Kirstin spent a great deal of her time helping others. She ran a local Facebook page (NormyWatch), volunteered her time, and organised various charity events. She was also passionate about animal welfare, rescuing them from abusive situations, sometimes putting herself at risk to do so, before fostering them and finding them safe new homes. Kirstin’s life ended far too early, but it was one spent making her local community a better place.
Move Ahead Team
Based at the Bevin Community Centre in Outwood, Move Ahead is an independent day centre supporting people with brain injuries, as well as their families and carers. The team creates opportunities for people to enjoy activities including art, music, crafts, and exercise, alongside events and outings. Move Ahead has been part of the community since 1997, providing a welcoming place where those with brain injuries can spend time together and take part in activities they enjoy.
