Heart Of Aberdeenshire awarded to Helen Cox
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The winners of this year Inspiring Aberdeenshire awards were announced last night, with Helen Cox picking up the Heart Of Aberdeenshire Caring Award for 2022.
Inspiring Aberdeenshire are council-run awards, designed to celebrate the success of people across Aberdeenshire and shine a spotlight on the work they do to keep their communities thriving.
It is often the case that the nominees in these awards receive very little recognition otherwise for their great work and are true community heroes.
Winner Helen Cox has provided short breaks and long-term care to looked-after children for Aberdeenshire Council for nearing 50 years, described by the judges as “a genuine local champion” working and supporting vulnerable children.
She came into her role almost by accident.
Her daughter had made friends with a girl at school who was living in a children’s home in Rhynie and asked if she could come to stay a weekend.
This young girl then ended up coming and living with them for two years.
She and her late husband progressed into short breaks and emergency placements to make sure that the kids were getting to do things they might not normally do and were enjoying themselves in a safe environment.
She has gone over and above for the kids in her care and this desire to provide support is what led her son to support children’s panels – proof that desire to care can be passed down in a family line.
Also shortlisted for this category were teacher Caroline Brunton and refugee support group Friends Of Al Amar Project.
Finalists were nominated earlier this year, before judges met to pick their winners.
Winners will be invited to a special civic reception being held in November to celebrate their successes.
