A Penarth resident has been commended by the Town Mayor for her exceptional work in the community.

Town Mayor Cllr Ian Buckley presented Penarth Town Council's Outstanding Citizens Award to Mrs Carole Dacey, who was nominated by Ms Faith Perry.

The outstanding citizen award is reserved for members of the community that go above and beyond to improve the lives of others.

"Mrs Dacey is a good 'Samaritan' in the best sense of the word," said Cllr Buckley

"The amount she does for other people in her community is outstanding and her work deserves to be recognised.

"I have no doubt that other people's lives are enhanced greatly by what she does for them, and she is a truly outstanding citizen."

During COVID-19, to assist those in temporary accommodation, Mrs Darcy, with the help of her husband Chris, has prepared and delivered packed breakfasts and dinners for many people displaced during the pandemic.

Mr Dacey has informed us that, unbelievably, 200,000 meals and snacks have been prepared and packed by Mrs Dacey alone.

The meals are made using surplus food which she collects from various locations before preparing the meals and redistributing them.

Mr and Mrs Dacey also volunteer to transport victims of trafficking to safe places, which involves picking up the victims and transporting them to a designated safe location around the country.

This can sometimes be many miles away and at unsociable hours and as you can imagine comes with its own risks.

Mrs Dacey gives many hours to volunteering but is never one to grumble about any of the tasks, no matter how emotionally and physically draining they are.

She has been involved with this work for 18 years.

Mrs Perry, who nominated Mrs Darcey said: "I have met very few, if any, people in my life who do so much for the sake of others. She is always willing to go the extra mile."

Each week Mrs Dacey works at the Salvation Army Charity shop for several days per week, raising money which funds Salvation Army work.

However, this is not the focus of the shop. Sometimes Mrs Dacey and other staff discover that a customer needs some help and appropriate support which is freely given. Mrs Dacey has been a member of the Samaritans for 15 years.

Cllr Buckley and everyone at Penarth Town Council would like to thank Mrs Darcey for all she does in the community and wish her the best in all her future endeavours.