Two Dagenham women have had Morrisons delivery vans named after them to recognise their work in the community.
Dubbed ‘Highway Heroes’, Brenda Goodwin and Vicky Knight were nominated by shoppers for their altruistic efforts.
Mrs Goodwin – a retired teacher who continues to coach sport – was caught unawares by the news on her 70th birthday, and claimed that it: “came out of the blue.”
She recently retired after 41 years of teaching PE and helping children with special educational needs.
Yet, despite a recent hip replacement, Brenda continues to coach a variety of sports for the London Youth Games.
She particularly enjoys coaching children with disabilities and seeing her pupils achieve a Jack Petchey Award.
“It’s good to see them succeed,” she said. “They go to school with medals on their necks and are so proud. It empowers them.”
Vicky Knight, the founder of Scar Quality – a charity which provides professional makeovers for burns victims to help boost their self-esteem – was also commended. She set up the charity single-handedly after receiving third and fourth degree burns in an arson attack on her family’s pub in 2003.
Vicky was praised by the supermarket’s regional HR manager, Peta Richards, who said: “Vicky’s story is one of great courage and determination.
“To have endured all that she has since her terrible accident but to then work tirelessly to support and help others, just goes to show what strength of character and true grit she must have.”
She chose to give the £1000 charity donation, which was part of the prize, to Scar Quality to further its success, whilst Mrs Goodwin donated to Cancer Research – a cause close to her heart.
The competition came as the supermarket launched an extension of its home delivery service into London.
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