Kathleen's devotion to Headway is recognised

Kathleen Ballentine is among 38 winning Lidl Community Works Local Heroes nominated by Lidl Northern Ireland customers to be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to causes they are passionate about in their local area.

Kathleen helps run the Ballymena Headway group which supports those with brain injuries and their families.

She devotes her time to arranging fundraising activities and providing support to those experiencing the devastating impact of a brain injury, a cause she has dedicated her life to.

After being told she had been selected as a winner, Kathleen said: “We get a lot out of it. You’re helping people which is wonderful. It can be a very lonely time, not just for the person with the head injury but for the families too.

“People can feel like they’re the only ones going through this but we give families and the people with head injuries a social life and companionship - that’s very important.”

Kathleen will be honoured at an exclusive gala event on the renowned SS Nomadic in Belfastin December and will enjoy a fabulous meal prepared by celebrity chef and Lidl ambassador Ian Orr. Each winner and a guest will also be treated to an overnight stay in a top Belfast hotel to celebrate their achievements. One overall winner from the 38 heroes, will be announced on the evening and presented with a year’s free shopping, and two runners up will receive £500 of vouchers each.

Now in its third year, Lidl Community Works supports those across Northern Ireland who are in need of funds and a helping hand. The campaign is split into two phases, the first of which is dedicated to rewarding community groups and projects. While phase two recognises the individuals who give their time and effort to a cause that is both close to their hearts and the hearts of their local communities.

Conor Boyle, Director of Lidl Northern Ireland said, “We want to say a huge congratulations to all the winning Lidl local heroes! We received hundreds of inspirational nominations so selecting just 38 winners was extremely tough. We are thrilled to be able to reach out and acknowledge all the well deserving individuals who put their heart, soul and energy into helping others. We look forward to the gala event when we will recognise all their efforts.”

To find out more about the campaign visit: www.lidl-ni.co.uk.