A FLINTSHIRE woman who gives her time to putting others first, has been shortlisted for an award recognising unsung heroes.
Sharon Beck, know to most as Shaz, from Buckley, was nominated by her community for the BBC Wales Make a Difference Awards.
More than 700 entries were cut down to 32 finalists across eight categories. Shaz is now in the final four in line for the Great Neighbour Award.
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The 60-year-old has created a much-needed community hub in the heart of Buckley.
Based in a space inside her shop Shaz Shabby Chic in the town's precinct, she offering a range of community groups and classes, including a men’s weekly café, a choir group, a knit and natter, pop-up classes for children, exercise sessions and craft fairs.
She also organises several markets a year in the precinct, with the next taking place on September 27.
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Shaz, who was left totally shocked by the unexpected nomination, remains humble about her moment in the spotlight.
She said: "I've never been one to blow my own trumpet, I do things because I want to do them, not because I want the praise.
"I find the attention quite difficult, and even thought it was a hoax at first but then I thought I was going to burst.
"I do it because I think there's a need, and you can see people who are struggling.
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"People will come in and us us as their safe space, and sometimes you don't realise how much you've helped them until they come back in and say 'actually you've saved me'.
"It really hits home, that because you took the time to sit down with them and have a cup of tea, it makes a difference.
"I've always said I'd make time for people. For some, speaking to me or any of the volunteers in the shop might be all some people speak to all week.
It was her own experiences that led Shaz on a selfless path of wanting to make sure others never felt alone.
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She added: "I have two adult children with additional needs. When I was dealing with that when they were younger, there was no help from anybody.
"They're now 29 and 32 but back then it was really difficult, people didn't understand like they do now.
"I cared for my mum with dementia, and then my dad committed suicide because he missed my mum.
"Now I just like helping people. I've a lot of life events that help me understand what people are going through."
Launched in Wales for the first time this year, the BBC Wales Make a Difference Awards celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, shining a light on these everyday, unsung heroes.
The awards are being judged by presenters from across the BBC, and winners will be announced at the BBC Wales Make a Difference Awards ceremony on September 20, 2025 in Cardiff.
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