Fourteen-year-old Tilly Hobbs has been praised by residents and staff at Prince Rupert Court Independent Living housing in Swindon after giving up her time to help others as part of her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Tilly, whose grandmother Rae lives at the scheme run by The Guinness Partnership, offered to assist with practical tasks that would count towards her volunteering section. Staff were quick to find her some useful jobs, and she soon set about bringing order to the lounge cupboard – home to board games and decorations – and giving the residents’ library a fresh new look.
Once the books were sorted, three bags of unwanted titles were passed on to a family member of another resident. These were then sold to raise £25 for the Air Ambulance, a gesture that delighted everyone involved.
Tilly is already a familiar face at Prince Rupert Court, having visited regularly since she was a baby. Over the years she has supported her grandmother and other residents with everything from small errands to helping arrange a race night.
Her grandmother Rae said, “I asked my lovely granddaughter Tilly to help at Prince Rupert Court which also helped with her Duke of Edinburgh award. She sorted out the books in the library and tidied up the games and decorations up in the lounge. She’s a good girl and always willing to help her Nana and friends in the scheme.”
Jackie Wade, Independent Living Advisor at The Guinness Partnership, added, “We would all like to thank Tilly for sorting out the library and storage cupboard, she did a fantastic job. Tilly is a lovely girl, and everyone wishes her the very best in completing her Duke of Edinburgh award.”
As a token of appreciation, residents presented Tilly with a certificate and a box of her favourite chocolates – a small gesture for someone who has given so much of her time and energy to the community.
