MP HONOURS LOCAL HEROES IN PARLIAMENT

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Test Valley MP Sandra Gidley has honoured two well known local heroes, Keith and Hazel Henser, at a reception in Parliament for their enormous voluntary contribution in the Baddesley area.

Keith is the Chair of the 'Baddesley Friends', a voluntary 'neighbourcare' group which helps people by driving them to surgery/hospital, gives relief to local carers and helps anyone who needs it with their shopping. Both he and his wife have also raised large amounts of money for the British Heart Foundation.

Commenting from Westminster today, Sandra said:

"Keith and Hazel are real life heroes. They do such tremendously valuable work in the Baddesley area, helping those who would otherwise be confined to their homes to get out and about. I also applaud their work raising money for the British Heart Foundation, which does so much good work for people across the country.

"The Hensers offer more than just a regular 'neighbourcare' service in Baddesley. They become real friends to those that they help - offering them a chance to get out and see people that they would otherwise miss out on entirely.

"Baddesley Friends, like other groups, could always benefit from more help - both financially and from a greater number of volunteers. They provide a lifeline for so many and deserve all the help and support from local and national government that they can get.

"I am sure that the people in the Baddesley area are grateful to have neighbours like Keith and Hazel."

Sandra Gidley MP with Keith and Hazel Henser in Parliament

ENDS