A charity worker has won an award at this years North West’s Inspiring Women Awards.
Preston Emmaus staff member, Karen Wallis has helped hundreds of people recover from homelessness for over ten years.
Taking to the Salford stage on 16 May, Karen attended the North West’s inspiring Women’s Awards and shared her inspiring story with the audience.
Read more: Exploring inside the new Emmaus megastore in Fishergate Shopping Centre
Shortly before she won the Community Award, Karen mentioned her long battle with street homelessness causing her to seek support at Emmaus, 13 years ago.
She then applied for a part-time job at the charity centre, only to move on to full-time, head of support and finally Deputy Chief Executive officer.
Karen said: “Winning the Inspiring Women Awards 2025 was so unexpected.
“There were so many amazing and inspiring women in the room. The two ladies I was in the community category alongside, Shar Sangster and Nadia Ali were both awesome.
“I was nervous telling my story, but everyone in my room was so supportive. I felt so overwhelmed when they announced that I had won and saw everyone on their feet applauding.
“Winning the award means a great deal because it recognises the work that myself and others at Emmaus put in.”
Karen has also represented Emmaus at the All-Party Parliament Group for Ending Homelessness.
Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to support those who need it and give back to a charity that she feels “changes people’s lives for the better.”
Kim, who helps run the clothing section of Emmaus Department Store said: “Karen’s story inspires me to be a better version of myself.
“I have recently sought help with alcohol addiction with Karen’s support and the help of the other support workers here.
“I feel like it could have been a lot different if I hadn’t found Emmaus and had the support it has given me.”
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