Film crew burst into café to surprise Pride of Britain winner

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Customers at a café in the village were taken aback by the arrival of a TV crew who had come to surprise a very special lady.

Whilst enjoying breakfast at The Yard on Friday, 11th September, with her husband Pete, daughter Katie and good friends Denise Welch and husband Lincoln Townley, Karen Johnson was amazed to see Tony Morris, newsreader for ITV Granada Reports, arrive bearing flowers and the prestigious Pride of Britain Award.

The whole café burst into applause as the cameraman swooped in to film the moment Karen realised she had won the award.

Karen Johnson, of Bamford, Rochdale founded the Gem Appeal in 1993 – a charity raising funds and awareness for the genetic disorder which sadly killed her two young sons, Simon and Mikey Hoather, aged 12.

So far, Karen, along with family and friends, has raised £2.6 million towards research into a multitude of genetic and metabolic disorders.

After being presented with the award, Karen said "I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to receive the prize and the recognition for all the hard work we've done throughout the years. So proud."

She added "I feel the work we have done and the funds raised by The Gem Appeal has made a massive difference to the lives of many children – the treatment available now is slowing down and even reversing symptoms of a multitude if genetic and metabolic disorders."

Denise Welch, close friend of Karen and supporter of The Gem Appeal's work said: "As soon as I knew we were going to be surprising Karen with the news of this fabulous award, I wanted this to take place at The Yard. My friends, Jeanie and Stewart, have created a magical space where, over a delicious lunch, you feel anything could happen. Karen and I have shared many a laugh and a cry at The Yard and so this felt like the natural venue for this wonderful occasion."

Jeanie Pickering, owner of The Yard, said "We felt honoured to be chosen as the venue for such a special occasion and congratulate Karen on her award and all the hard work she has done to change the lives of so many children."

Tags:
Pride of Britain Awards, The Yard
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