Woman of Oldham crown 2018 goes to ‘overwhelmed’ Elaine

A KIND-HEARTED mum whose charity has helped hundreds of children with additional needs and disabilities has been named Woman of Oldham 2018.

Elaine Robinson, who set up POINT with her husband Andrew 12 years ago, was honoured with the accolade in front of 200 guests at a glittering dinner at The White Hart, Lydgate.

Elaine Robinson,’Woman of the Year 2018′, receives her rose bowl from chairman Eileen Cooper

Presented by the Woman of Oldham committee, the award recognises dedicated women who have worked tirelessly over many years for voluntary organisations.

Now in their 25 year, the committee has also raised around £136,500 for charities in the area, including schools, hospitals, community groups and more.

Elaine, who lives in Watersheddings, said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed! I had no idea I had even been nominated and when they were reading out the winner, at first I didn’t realise they were talking about me!

“I know how much the fundraising work these ladies does means as our charity received the money raised by them last year.”

Elaine and Andrew, who have a son with additional needs, launched POINT with just four parents but now they have flourished to working with around 1,800 families across Oldham.

They aspire to an inclusive community and society without compromise, where all children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities are treated equally and fairly.

Elaine Robinson with board trustees Sue Flanagan, Libby Lang, Charlotte Shaw and Kathryn Plant; left, receiving her rose bowl award from Eileen Cooper

They deliver person-centered support which enable improved outcomes and opportunities for children and young people and their families.

Elaine added: “It’s not just about the children with additional needs, we look after the whole family together.

“Some of them tell us they don’t know what they would do it we weren’t there. We’re so pleased we can make a difference.”

Eileen Cooper, chairman of the Woman of Oldham committee, said: “It is always a difficult task in choosing a winner and this year was no exception.

“Elaine is a proud Oldham woman and represents what is great about the women of our town.

“She is caring, sensitive, and most of all driven in helping people with their needs, operating in an extremely tough environment where funds are scare.

“The charity has gone from strength to strength with sheer hard work. She is the driving force and unselfishly gives her time to support those who need it most. She is surely a worthy winner of the award.”

Guests at the awards ceremony enjoyed a three-course lunch and entertainment from guest singer Alan Burton, as well as a raffle with prizes including £100 Selfridges vouchers, White Hart vouchers, FAB beauty set, and £50 M&S vouchers.

The Woman of Oldham committee’s chosen charity for 2018 is The Samantha Jones Trust, which challenges childhood leukaemia.

They have their final fundraiser of the – a ‘Christmas Cracker’ – on Saturday, November 17 at Grotton Pavilion from 2-4pm.

The event is a flower demonstration by Kathleen Williams. Tickets cost £7.50 per person, including a mince pie and a glass of wine.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Janet Larton: 0161 652 8878.