Unsung Heroes Winners 2010: Sally Holbrook - Tireless campaigner

Sally Holbrook, with daughter Wendy, says she is 'stoked' to be a winner. Photo / Alan Gibson

Five people who have given selflessly to their communities are this year's Unsung Heroes.

More than 70 worthy people were nominated in the New Zealand Herald P&O Cruises' Unsung Heroes competition, but five people stood out from the rest for their tireless efforts to better the lives of others. For this, they each win a trip for two on a P&O South Pacific cruise.

Sally Holbrook could well be superwoman in disguise. Mother, charity worker, student and legal secretary, Mrs Holbrook said she is still on cloud nine after being named one of the winners of the

Herald

Unsung Heroes series.

"I was so stoked, I just didn't think I would have a chance," she said.

Mrs Holbrook was nominated by daughter Stacey.

"My mum has never really done anything for herself, it's always for other people," Stacey Holbrook said.

Mrs Holbrook first became involved with community work when her daughter joined the Girl Guides.

She became dedicated to working in special needs organisations such as the IHC and Tauranga Special Olympics after her second daughter, Wendy, was born with a brain defect.

Mrs Holbrook says the Tauranga Special Olympics gives disabled kids a chance to participate in sports as well as being able to socialise.

Teams can compete in tournaments around the country, such as the national Special Olympics, where five out of six of Mrs Holbrook's B-grade indoor teams won medals last year.

"It's there for the kids; it gives them something to do."

Mrs Holbrook's latest project is campaigning for a new playground for the Kaka St Special School.

"It will be an interactive playground for the kids," Mrs Holbrook said. "It will be great for kids in wheelchairs."

Stacey Holbrook says the P&O voyage will be a good chance for her parents - who have not had a holiday for 23 years - to "rekindle the romance".

The Unsung Community Heroes series is run annually in the The Herald and on nzherald.co.nz in partnership with P&O Cruises. We invited nominations from readers to recognise people who selflessly work to make a difference in their local communities.

Some will be selected to feature in the paper and on nzherald.co.nz. Five will be chosen to join a P&O winter cruise.