Thatto Heath mum praised for cleaning up community in selfless act of kindness

Recognising that the streets and alleyways in Emily Street and Reservoir Street, Thatto Heath, needed urgent restoration, Helen Caddock, a resident of Reservoir Street decided she would do the work herself to "make a difference" to her community.

Debbora, a neighbour to Helen, told the Star how residents along the two streets are blown away by her selfless act of kindness, which she sought no praise, money or reward for.

A resident has planted flowers all along the alleyway

Deb said: "The alleyways were a bit of a tip to be honest, it was very overgrown with lots of things just left there.

"My neighbour has now dug out all the cobbles, brushed everything up and put flower pots and lavenders out to clean it up."

Described as being "very community minded and humble", Helen has also cleaned up the area leading up to the York pub after being worried about local kids being hurt by any rubbish or glass left on the floor.

With the help of her son, she undertook the task a couple of weeks ago and has brightened up the area for everyone, who will now keep up with its maintenance.

The gesture is said to have brought the community closer together, who will now keep up with the maintenance

Deb added: "She's done such a good job, everyone has been saying how nice it is and we are really grateful."

Thanking Helen for her gesture, Deb bought her neighbour a bottle of wine to show her gratitude, yet she politely declined as she doesn't drink and just wanted to help out her community.

At a time when people do not often speak to their neighbours, Deb stated this has created a feel-good atmosphere around the area, with many people praising Helen's gesture.

She said she wanted to share the story as "recognition for all her hard work, it's very much appreciated by our community."