Pride of Guernsey: Sharon Hartley

‘‘AN INCREDIBLE and determined lady who is passionate in doing her best in helping others’ is how Brenda Smart describes the Gateway Club charity’s Sharon Hartley, who she has nominated for the Specsavers-sponsored Carer of the Year Award.

‘AN INCREDIBLE and determined lady who is passionate in doing her best in helping others’ is how Brenda Smart describes the Gateway Club charity’s Sharon Hartley, who she has nominated for the Specsavers-sponsored Carer of the Year Award.

Guernsey Gateway Club provides a social environment for adults with learning disabilities living in the island, with volunteers and members meeting at La Corbinerie Clubhouse, located between the Health and Wellbeing Centre and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital’s A&E department.

The club organises a wide variety of social, leisure and recreational activities for members, including music evenings, bar meals, bingo, craft nights and discos.

‘She has been involved in the Gateway Club for over 30 years,’ she said.

‘I first met Sharon when she would bring her young daughter along in her buggy to the club and has continued to help there ever since.

‘She has not only helped but has been running the club for many years now.

‘It takes a remarkable person who will put other people’s needs before their own as she does.

‘This is demonstrated by the fact that she has fibromyalgia, a debilitating illness, which is ongoing, and also suffers with serious back problems.

‘None of this has prevented her from her passion to help others in this vital work amongst the young and the not so young in the island.’

She added: ‘This is a special year of celebration for the Gateway Club as it has been running for 50 years. What a wonderful way for us to say a huge thank you to Sharon.’