Bringing the community together
501. Michelle Chapman
Michelle set up the Bingley Flood Support Group after seeing the destruction the floods had caused in her local area on Boxing Day.
She commandeered her local Scout hut and led hundreds of volunteers to help with food and furniture donations, cleaning houses, sourcing tradesmen and also orchestrating efforts to provide financial and legal advice. The fundraising page she set up raised over £14,000 and Michelle is continuing to allocate grants to those most in need. Inspired by the community’s efforts, Michelle continues to run the group as ‘Bingley Support Group’.
Through the group Michelle led hundreds of volunteers to help with food and furniture donations, cleaning houses, sourcing tradesmen and also orchestrated efforts to provide financial and legal advice. They also raised over £14,000 to help businesses and residents affected by the flooding directly.
Today the Prime Minister recognised Michelle’s award alongside the rest of this week’s winners who also gave their time and energy to support their local community through the recent floods.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“This week as we mark our 500th Point of Light I am delighted to recognise all that Michelle did for her community in Bingley during last winter’s floods. By creating a hub for the local community to coordinate their response to the floods and encouraging donations of food, furniture and professional skills to help people affected by the floods, Michelle was a true Point of Light for all those she helped.”
Michelle said:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed and extremely honoured to not only have been invited for a reception with the Prime Minister but to receive this very special award at the same time. For me it is recognition for our whole Bingley community for coming together at such a difficult time. My experience at 10 Downing Street will never be forgotten. Thank you on behalf of myself and all the Bingley community.”