Kislingbury retirees, Mike and Jackie Jackson, have secured their position as some of the UK's most extraordinary retired people by claiming the prize for achievement in community work in the final of the 2012 National Retirement Awards, run by the UK's leading retirement housebuilder, McCarthy & Stone.
Having previously battled stiff competition from fellow nominees to be announced as the Midlands regional champion back in June, the couple from Northampton were declared as the national community champions by the judging panel. The category, which was designed to honour those who make a real difference in their neighbourhoods and local community, featured a number of deserving recipients in the final round of judging, but it was Mike and Jackie's continued commitment to uniting their small village community which saw them finally clinch the prize.
The pair started the Kislingbury coffee club, also known as the KOFS, eight years ago for the over fifties in the village, so that they could meet and relax in an informal and sociable way.
Now with over 100 members, KOFS works supports the local school and church, as well as local charities. The couple have been widely recognised in the region for the real difference they have made to the lives of so many people in the village due to their hard work and dedication.
Richard Williams, Regional Managing Director for McCarthy & Stone, said of the couple's win: "We have had the pleasure of meeting some truly inspirational individuals throughout the course of this competition, but Mike and Jackie's exceptional contribution to helping their community really made them stand out from the crowd. We couldn't have wished for more deserving winners."
The National Retirement Awards were aimed at honouring individuals or groups of people aged 60 or over, who have done something worthy of recognition, excelled in their field or have gone all out to help their local community.
As the winners of the national community award, Mike and Jackie will be now be presented with a cheque for £500.
McCarthy & Stone provides a range of age-exclusive developments that are specifically designed for later life. While ensuring the continuing independence of retaining home ownership, each stylish property also offers reduced maintenance, giving residents more time to embrace the possibilities of later life. State of the art safety and security features and a range of communal areas and facilities also provide greater peace of mind and companionship.
See Also: Property News (8660), McCarthy & Stone Retirement (280), Kislingbury (1), Northampton (24)
Date Published: 21 November 2012
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