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Polio survivor wins community award

25/09/2008

A Salford man who devotes his time to working with local community groups has been honoured for his hard work.

Gilbert Hearn, a 77-year-old from Barton in Eccles, was given the Mayor's Citizen Award in recognition of his efforts to improve the lives of local people.

Mr Hearn set up the Park Residents' Association in 1997 and is also actively involved with various other organisations.

This is despite facing various health problems over the years, such as a heart attack, diabetes and disability from polio.

"As a Christian I want to help everyone and it's important to me to do things to improve people's lives," he commented.

Mr Hearn added that he has contributed to the community because he wanted to, rather than for recognition and prizes.

Anyone who lives within Salford and is deemed to have made a "significant contribution" to either the city or their local community is eligible to win the Mayor's Citizen Award.