Christmas comes early for Littlehampton charity worker

Caring Sue Robbins, who works for the charity at its Littlehampton base in Fitzalan Road, was recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty.

The 63-year-old, whose birthday is on Christmas Day, has worked as a catering assistant at the centre for four years.

However, the former care worker, who also lives in Fitzalan Road, regularly steps in to help disabled children during arts and crafts days at the centre, despite the fact she is not contracted to.

Modest Sue said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was told. I was just doing my job.

“The trip to Downing Street was out of this world. I never knew it was so big. It’s huge. It’s like the Tardis when you step inside.

“We were taken into a big room with gold leaves on the wall. It was so beautiful. It was an experience I will never forget.

“I felt so humbled by some of the people I meet, during the event.”

Sue watched with pride while firefighters from across the country were rewarded for their bravery.

She said: “It was such an honour to be there. I am not brave at all. So it was very humbling.

“I was sitting next to one man, who wasn’t a firefighter. He was walking down the street and saw a house on fire. A woman screamed to him, saying, ‘my baby is inside’.

“This man didn’t even have a second thought. He ran into the house, which was really on fire, to try and save this baby. The flames were too intense, so he had to come back out again. But he then used something to cover his face and went straight back in.

“He saved that baby and was a real hero. I’m only here because I did my job.”

Sue was praised for her sterling effort during the awards ceremony, which was attended by politician Eric Pickles and broadcaster Fern Britton.

Sue has worked for the Fire Fighters Charity for four years after retiring from her previous job of 34 years, at the Brockenhurst care home, in Arundel Road, Littlehampton.

She admitted that retired life was boring and that she wanted to stay active and get involved in the community.

Sue works 15 hours a week at the charity, adding that she loved working there and helping disabled children.