Domestic abuse survivor Gemma Spreight suddenly found herself relocating to the unkown of Preston having lost everything familiar to her.
But the kind-hearted volunteer, who has now been nominated for a Proud Preston Award, was welcomed whole heartedly into the local community and with its help was able to rebuild her life.
Gemma describes the support she received from her local community as quite literally pivotal in helping her survive and rebuild her life.
As the closing date for nominations for the Proud Preston Awards 2026 closes in on February 5, we are teaming up with the Lancashire Post in shining a light on some of the amazing nominations we’ve already received.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, March 19 at the Barton Manor Hotel & Spa.
Mum-of-three Gemma has now been nominated as Preston’s Volunteer of the Year.
A supporting statement submitted for her nomination said: “Gemma selflessly dedicates her time free of charge, giving back tirelessly to her community, creating lasting impact while facing personal adversity, alongside full-time work and raising three children.
“Gemma is the definition of quiet strength and selfless giving.
“After relocating to Lancashire in 2018 as a result of domestic violence, she arrived at her lowest point, having lost everything familiar to her.
“The support she received from her local community quite literally helped her survive and rebuild her life.
“From that moment on, Gemma made a promise to herself to give back to the community that helped her find her feet again.
“Gemma has experienced more hardship than most people will ever know, yet she refuses to let those experiences harden her. Instead, they have shaped her into an incredibly compassionate, empathetic and resilient woman who continually puts others before herself.”
Community champon Gemma dedicates countless hours every year to raising money, volunteering her time and supporting local groups, charities and individuals who are struggling.
The nominator said: “One of Gemma’s greatest strengths is her willingness to speak openly about her own experiences to help others.
“By sharing her story, she gives people hope, reassurance and the courage to believe that life can get better.
“Her honesty has helped many people feel seen, understood and less alone.”
Volunteer of the Year award will recognise an individual who continually dedicates their time to help others completely free of charge. Whether they support charities or CICs, the local community or in a school. The judges want to understand the person behind all their good work, how much time they spend volunteering, the impact they have on the cause, community or organisation and a testimonial from those around them.
Gemma was praised for giving an extraordinary amount of her time during the Christmas period, when support is needed most.
She volunteers as Mrs Claus on the local Round Table sleigh, bringing magic, joy and smiles to children across the area.
Alongside this, she packs and distributes hundreds of Christmas hampers to support the most vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they feel cared for and remembered at what can be an incredibly difficult time of year.
The nominator said: “All of this is done alongside working full time in specialist education, supporting vulnerable young people, while also raising her three daughters.
“She is a role model not just to them, but to her students and the wider community, living proof that it is possible to overcome anything with determination, kindness and heart.
“As one of her friends said, ‘Gemma gives without expecting anything in return. She shows up for people when they need it most, and that changes lives’.
“Gemma doesn’t seek recognition for what she does, she simply cares. This award would recognise not just her time and impact, but the incredible person behind it all.”
How to nominate?
Visit the Proud Preston Awards website, create an account, and follow the instructions to nominate.
There’s a frequently asked questions page with some guidance about nominating.
Want to back the Proud Preston Awards?
Each category is available for businesses or organisations to sponsor and show their support and help make the Proud Preston Awards an annual fixture in the city’s events calendar. If you’re interested contact stuart.mulrooney@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
Anyone with any questions about the event can contact event manager Sam Campbell on samantha.campbell@iconicmediagroup.co.uk
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