Caring Ann likes to make people happy

Ann Brooks

A CARING mum-of-five who always puts other people first has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Ann Brooks (51), from Denton Lane, Chadderton, has worked as a night care worker in Chadderton for the past 28 years. Her evenings are spent caring for elderly patients and giving carers some much-needed respite care.

Not only does she work nights, but she also cooks and cleans for a neighbour who lives alone, raises charity money by taking part in the annual Race for Life, and even shunned presents on her birthday and set up a charity donation box instead.

Her son Rikki Brooks (19), from Glodwick, felt she deserved recognition for all her hard work.

And he believes the world would be a better place if everyone followed in his mum’s footsteps.

He said: “She does a lot for everyone and has done since before I can remember. She does lots of charity work and takes part in the Race for Life every year without fail.

“She always puts other people first and even her job involves helping people.

“When she is out, she helps people cross the road and carries their bags.

“She may not have saved someone’s life but she has made a lot of people’s lives better.”

Mrs Brooks said the nomination from her second eldest child had brought her to tears, adding: “I’m amazed — I don’t think I do anything special.

“As a child, I used to do the shopping for elderly people so I think I’ve always been caring. I like making people happy.”