A RETIRED auxiliary nurse who has volunteered for more than 20 years, has been described as a ‘Manx hero’.
Christine Wallis has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year in the Isle of Man Newspapers/Flybe Pride in Mann awards for her dedication and kindness.
Mrs Wallis of Ballachurry Avenue, Onchan, has been described as someone who ‘has worked tirelessly for the Manx Natural Healing Centre – without her the centre would be at a loss’.
Eight nominations have been submitted from a number of grateful people – many stating that Mrs Wallis always puts her family and friends first.
Shocked to be nominated, Christine said: ‘It is a surprise to be nominated. What have I done to deserve that?’
Christine was astounded when she was told how many nominations she had received.
‘I can’t see what I have done to be nominated, it is incredible,’ she said.
‘I do help out where I can, but lots of people do lots of good things in the world – and are more deserving than me.’
Mrs Wallis, 64, lives with her husband Peter. The couple have two grown up sons.
Christine was born in Peel and also lived in Maughold for 30 years. She trained in catering but, after having her two sons, she found the hours unsuitable.
She later worked nights as an auxiliary nurse and began volunteering after she had an accident in work.
Over the past 20 years Christine has been described as ‘the mainstay’ and ‘back bone’ of the centre.
As treasurer and healer, her roles includes book keeping, organising, dealing with all the legal requirements and phone enquiries.
Leo Phillips, said: ‘She is a kind, loving and supportive person to all who need love and support. Definitely a Manx hero.’
Mrs Wallis loves volunteering, and also gets involved in the healing. She said: ‘I do hands on healing at the centre – it is beneficial to people and they feel better for it and more relaxed.
‘It also benefits yourself, when the energy is passed through. I like to get involved and do not like to see people struggle and if they need my help I will do what I can. People keep telling me I can’t say no. From the moment I get up I’m on the go, I never sit down until I’ve had my dinner. I like helping people.’
Her voluntary work doesn’t stop at the Manx Natural Healing Centre, Mrs Wallis who nursed her blind mother, now also helps another blind lady.
Doreen Firth, who is one of the people who nominated her, stated Christine’s own needs were put to one side as she helped others.
Nominations in the Pride in Mann awards have now closed.
------------
Pride in Mann is an awards scheme from Isle of Man Newspapers and Flybe which aims to recognise unsung heroes in the Manx community.
The competition sees the public invited to nominate people they feel are worthy recipients of an award across 10 categories. Each person nominated will be recognised in one of our newspapers and later there will be a public vote to find the categories’ winners.
The categories for this year’s Pride in Mann awards are: Promotion of Manx Culture, Performer of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Sporting Acheivement, Young Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Linking with Schools, Customer Service and Family Business.
------------