Stone Life December 2013/January 2014 | Page 5

EDITOR’S LETTER Christmas - a time to celebrate life and give thanks Deborah Boden Contents Editor [email protected] Sophie Cotton & Tracey Wardle Design & Production Jane Walters Advertising Manager [email protected] Tom Brian Advertising Sales [email protected] Times, Echo & Life Publications 18 Tape Street, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1BD Tel: 01538 752214 www.timesechoandlife.co.uk [email protected] 15,100 copies of every issue delivered to households and businesses in Eccleshall, Stone, Trentham and the surrounding areas Front cover photo courtesy of Robert Cartwright. T. 01785 254283 U nbelievably it is that time of year again when we welcome the Christmas festivities in, hopefully get to enjoy some time with our family and friends, see out the end of another year, and celebrate the possibilities the new one ahead holds. We must however count ourselves very lucky that this is how the next few months will play out for most of us and perhaps just take the time to spare a thought for those less fortunate. This brings me to the selfless story of Eccleshall Nursery Nurse Samantha Rowley who bravely shaved all her long brunette hair off in order to raise money for the very worthy Birmingham Children’s Hospital as well as donating her hair to be made into wigs for children who have lost theirs through illness. A true inspiration and speaking as a woman with long hair myself this was certainly a very brave feat and worthy of our admiration. Another person recognised and praised for their selflessness and the invaluable work he does within his local community is Martin Watson who was presented with the West Ambulance Services Distinguished Service Award at the Excellence in the Community Awards held recently. Martin was handed the accolade for the numerous Staffordshire HeartStart courses he has organised and taught as well as giving his time to his community by opting to be available for 999 calls in Eccleshall and the surrounding area as a Community First Responder. Some well deserved recognition for those who do think of others, particularly at such a poignant time of year. And so with the festivities in full swing what better time than Christmas and New Year is there to truly celebrate life and give thanks. Seasons greeting from myself and all the team here at Stone and Eccleshall Life. Deborah x December 2013/ January 2014 5