AN ‘instrumental’ woman who has taken on a legacy to help people in need started by her late mother has won a ‘hero’ award in York.

Sharon Senior was given the title of Education Hero of the Year, sponsored by YO1 Radio, at Thursday's annual York Community Pride Awards (September 5).

Her work as owner / proprietor of Bee-Able CIC helps and supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families which was begun by her mother Lesley, who died in 2023 after a short battle with lung cancer.

On collecting the award, and carrying on her mum’s legacy, Sharon said: “It really is tough.

“I sadly lost my mum in November quite suddenly and I felt like I owed it to her to keep that legacy alive.

“I worked part-time with mum, so I had been in the background of the charity.

“She would be very proud of me being here tonight with this award.

“She’s in the back of my mind all the time, driving me forward all the time, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without Emma either, who’s here tonight too.

“She been right with us since day dot, so she’s been my absolute rock.”

The community group Bee-Able CIC provides a day service within the Riccall Regen centre for those aged 18 and above and provides access to baking, community work, craft sessions, sports, and allotment gardening.

In addition their Saturday club runs weekly for eight to 18 year olds with an emphasis on various activities such as ball pits, soft play items, crafts and games.

A holiday club takes care of days out or provides in house crafts for people in the same age bracket as the Saturday club.

Supporters of Sharon said that bringing their children to Bee Able CIC is ‘important for their routines and also to teach life skills, independence and interactions, all of which are designed to improve outcomes for the children’.

Sharon is cited as ‘being the glue that holds it all together’ and providing valuable ‘respite time’ for parents.