VIKKI Longden loves to see her community come together and enjoy itself and putting her all into achieving this has seen her take on some very unusual tasks.
Vikki and her family has always lived in Thurnscoe and her bid to help unite her neighbours and friends has led to lots of hard work and fun.
Nominated in the Proud of Barnsley volunteer category by Dearne community development officer Darryl Hand, Vikki explains how it all started: “Darryl and I have known each other for years and what started as helping out a friend just grew.
“I love seeing the village come together and I’ve done everything from dressing up as an elf to delivering potatoes to getting involved in the outdoor cinema and family charity events.”
Darryl nominated Vikki in recognition of her tireless dedication to her community.
Vikki has always been involved in Sunday league football since her step-mum got her interested many years ago and she is now a vital part of the Thurnscoe Tap FC.
“Vikki gives countless hours of her time as chairperson for the local football side, supporting players and helping to provide opportunities for them to grow both on and off the pitch and has done for the last three years.
“She is the driving force behind the club, always putting the needs of the team and the community first.
“She voluntarily works hard to ensure full compliance with league standards, maintains club governance and acts as a point of contact for all players and the FA.
“On top of her football commitments, Vikki plays an additional key role in local community events through the Dearne North Ward Alliance.
“Whatever the task, she is always the first to get stuck in whether it’s organising, setting up, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed. Most community events could not happen without the dedicated time and effort of volunteers like Vikki.
“Her energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to give back make her an inspiration. Vikki never seeks praise, but her commitment makes a real difference to so many people’s lives.
“She truly embodies the spirit of community and deserves to be recognised as a Proud of Barnsley volunteer.”
