DASH Holiday Homes trustees Barbara Moore (left), Trudy Bennett (centre) and Angela Newton (right) with Spalding PHAB Club chairman Andrew Inkley and committee member Dennis Pearson. Photo supplied

Chairman of our club for disabled is ‘extraordinary’

A shop owner who has “changed the lives” of hundreds of disabled people has been nominated for a Pride of South Holland Lifetime Achievement Award.

Andrew Inkley, who runs Inkley’s clothes shop in Francis Street, Spalding, was put forward for the prestigious award after devoting many years to improving the lives of those involved with the town’s PHAB (Physically Disabled and Able Bodied) charity group, of which he is chairman.

The nomination has come from Carole Duckworth, of Spalding, who said: “Andrew gives up his weekends and arranges trips out for the group. Along with his wife they selflessly give up their free time to make the lives better for the group.

“It takes up a lot of time planning trips because of the wide range of disabilities.

“These are people in wheelchairs, blind people, people with learning disabilities and many more.

“Andrew has been doing this work for decades.

“He has changed people’s lives, enabling people to be more independent.

“Personally, I would be housebound if it wasn’t for PHAB.”

Mrs Duckworth said the group has provided her with a good circle of friends, who have helped improve her quality of life.

She added: “I am so fortunate to be part of this group and I would be lost without it.

“Andrew not only runs the group but fundraises, organises events and I know that he also does other charity work.

“He is an extraordinary man.”

The nomination for Andrew is the latest we have had for the new Pride of South Holland Awards, being run by the Spalding and South Holland Voice in conjunction with Tulip Radio and the Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce.

We are still looking for nominations for those special people who make South Holland a better place to live.

Take a look at the categories and then download and fill in the form to make your nomination.