JANET Adamson is one determined lady and she took home our Everyday Hero Award.
Highly commended in this Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2024 category, sponsored by Belong, were Rachel Munn and John Lewis.
Taking a more old-school approach to fundraising, Janet walked around her home area of Whitecross, handing out fundraising forms to homes and businesses with the hope of raising £1,000 for a defibrillator at Whitecross Residents’ Association.
She then completed a 10-mile sponsored swim so that the community could buy the essential life-saving equipment.
And she has just been crowned the Warrington Guardian Everyday Hero.
The nomination for Janet said: “The residents’ association is for people aged 55 and over but the youngest resident is 65.
“Janet, who is 57, is a regular swimmer and set herself the challenge throughout the October.
“Her aim was to raise the money and have the defibrillator installed before Christmas.”
Everyday Hero Janet Adamson
Janet said: “My friend Denise lives at the residents’ association in Whitecross, and she has asked for the last two years running for a defibrillator to be installed, but the housing association did not have the money to fund it.
“It is a 55 and over place and the youngest resident there is 65. I think it is warranted!”
“I swim regularly, so I came up with the idea.
“I started doing half a mile a day and then built it up to a mile.”
Everyday Hero Janet Adamson and Barry Devine, general manager at Belong
After starting the challenge at the beginning of October, she contracted a chest infection and was bed bound for five days, leaving her with a stretch of distance to catch up on.
But despite this, Janet powered through and was able to complete the distance with the support of her friends and family – friend Bev Chamberlain even joined Janet on the swim while she was poorly to cheer her on.
The defibrillator was installed a month ago in Whitecross.
Janet said: “The residents needed a defibrillator and I just decided to get them one.
“Hopefully, it won’t ever be needed but if someone does require medical assistance, there is now a defibrillator that’s available to use before paramedics arrive.
“I did this for the Whitecross community.”
Everyday Hero Janet Adamson
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