A CHARITY leader who has helped hundreds of children with special needs in York has been nominated for a top award.

Anne Stamp is project manager at SNAPPY, which is based at the Young Groves Centre, in Lowther Street, and has provided weekend and holiday activities for children with learning difficulties for 25 years.

Anne has been in the role for 20 years and epitomises the caring nature of the charity, said Lee Branton, whose special needs daughter, Lucy, attends the centre.

The nine-year-old suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, among other health problems, and she receives help and care from the workers at the respite centre each week.

Lee describes Anne as a “wonderful person who does a marvellous job” and has nominated her in The Press’s Community Pride Awards under the Person Of The Year category. He said: “Anne has never had any recognition for her hard work and commitment and this isn’t a job for the faint-hearted.

“Anne is a wonderful person who always goes that extra mile. Her dedication and commitment to all her children, young people, parents, staff and volunteers is immense.

“Anne basically is SNAPPY. She is passionate, driven, caring, devoted, inspiring and lives and breaths for these children and parent’s see her as a lifeline, a friend and someone to go and have a cry with when they are feeling down.

“As a parent of a child with special needs I rely on Anne for so much and know that I can trust her to care, and encourage independence for Lucy and teach her life skills when she is at SNAPPY.

“SNAPPY is the only place in York that offers play and recreation for children with special needs and is like a family with Anne as mother. The children and young people, both past and present, love her and their happy faces speak volumes of what Anne means to them.

“This isn’t a job it is a calling and a way of life for Anne. This is my opportunity to thank her from the bottom of my heart; to let her know that without her York would be a much sadder place for children and young people with disabilities to grow up in.”

The July 10 deadline for nominations is fast approaching.

If there is an unsung hero in your area, fill in the coupon, and send in nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or email us at editor@thepress.co.uk