Top tribute to pioneer of care (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Top tribute to pioneer of care

A COTSWOLD woman has been given a 'local hero' award by Help the Aged for her work in founding a nursing charity for the terminally ill.

Jessica Brook, of Chipping Campden, was the driving force in setting up Campden Home Nursing. Since its foundation in 1990 the charity has offered care to 350 people at no expense to themselves or their families.

She also played a central role in creating similar charities in Shipston, Stow, Chipping Norton, Lechlade and Stroud.

Her husband David said the organisation set up by his wife had done more than just care for terminally ill people - it also provided a bereavement service to families.

"Jessica brought great warmth and friendship to this and all of her work and it is indeed astounding to see the large number of people in our community who continue to seek regular contact with her, both as counsellor and friend."

Campden Home Nursing now employs a team of 18 qualified nurses and works closely with local district nurses and Macmillan Nurses.

Mrs Brook said her award was a tribute to everyone involved in caring for the terminally ill in the area. "It's always been a team effort- although I set it up, it could never have worked without the hard work of everyone involved."

Jessica has now been invited to an awards ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London on March 30, where she will rub shoulders with celebrity guests including June Whitfield and Cilla Black.

Lucy Burton, organiser of the Living Legends Awards, said: "Help the Aged is delighted that Jessica is coming to the awards to represent Central regions.

"Her story only goes to show that she has spent so many years making a real difference to the lives of many people and now is the time for the UK to celebrate her remarkable work and say thank you."