Doncaster foodbank star nominated as modern day suffragette

Shirley Donnelly, centre manager for the Trussel Trust Foodbank, was put forward for the honour by Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton.

Rosie said: “I have nominated Shirley Donnelly, centre manager, at the Trussell Trust Foodbank, not only for her voluntary work but also because of her story, which shows that the kindness shown to Shirley in her time of need inspired her to help others.

She said Shirley had told her she was married to a miner and during the miners' strike it was very difficult for her and her family to get by.

Shirley said: "I worked part time at the council and the women I worked with would put together parcels of food for me and my family.

"So, I just wanted to give something back by setting up and helping at the Foodbank, which I have done for five years now."

It was 100 years ago that women were first given the right to vote following a lengthy campaign by the Suffragettes.

To mark the anniversary The Doncaster Free Press has teamed up with Amnesty International to launch a campaign to find modern women who have 'Suffragette spirit' and fought for others' human rights in their communities.

Those selected by Amnesty will be profiled an interactive map of the UK to be released on International Women's Day on March 8.

HOW TO NOMINATE: To nominate an amazing woman your local area, please visit www.amnesty.org.uk/suffragettespirit by February 26. All women must have carried out work to help others their local area within the last 10 years. All successful nominees will be contacted to give consent prior to being placed on the Suffragette Spirit Map of Britain.