Sheila take a bow! Leeds charity volunteer gets Pride of Britain recognition

She has helped raise more than half a million pounds for the Royal British Legion (RBL) over the last 35 years.
Sheila Scott.Sheila Scott.
Sheila Scott.

And now, after selflessly giving up countless hours in support of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, it is time for Sheila Scott to take a well-deserved place in the spotlight.

The volunteer has been named as a regional finalist in the unsung hero category of this year’s Pride of Britain Awards.

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Typically, however, the 64-year-old’s main thoughts today were not about winning the award but instead the good she continues to do through her volunteering.

Grandmother-of-nine Sheila, from Belle Isle, Leeds, said: “I just love helping people – I can never visualise a time in my life when I’m not part of the Legion.

“I’ve made some lovely friends in the last 35 years and feel a sense of pride at helping those less fortunate than myself.”

Sheila began volunteering for the RBL in 1981 after seeing the support it gave her father Samuel Shackleton, a former Yorkshire Regiment soldier.

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He received food parcels to help him through a difficult time financially after he was diagnosed with epilepsy and left unable to work.

Sheila started out as a tin-rattling poppy street seller but now spends her time as the appeal’s co-ordinator for Leeds.

Her big-hearted efforts are estimated to bring in around £75,000 every year for the charity.

She has also acted as a welfare caseworker, visiting veterans at home and assessing their needs.

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Debbie Harding, area manager for the RBL in Yorkshire, praised Sheila’s “tireless commitment” to the cause, adding: “She is a truly inspirational volunteer supporting our Armed Forces community in Leeds.”

This year’s Pride of Britain judging will take place next Friday, October 14, with the winners due to be announced at a star-spangled awards ceremony later this month.

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