Faced with a battle to overcome cancer, Bootle community champion Barbara Rouse didn’t let it get her down.
Instead she abseiled down the side of Liverpool Cathedral – dressed as ‘Spider Nan’!
Barbara, known locally as ‘The Duchess of Bootle’, has been awarded the Sefton Courage Award, sponsored by Capelli Hair Studio in Southport, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
Barbara has been active in the Bootle community for most of her life.
She has been a volunteer in Derby Park for over 30 years, and since Friends of Derby Park was established in 2009, has presided as Chairperson.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
She has organised and fundraised for various events in the park, and helped oversee a major refurbishment of the historic park features in 2013, including the new children’s playground.
Barbara has volunteered with Bootle YMCA for 46 years, and when the centre was faced with closure she and her husband Ken stepped in to save the vital community asset. Barbara established herself as Chairperson and with her husband Ken they took up the reins, keeping the centre open for various community groups, including the scouts, table tennis and ju-jitsu clubs.
After overcoming cancer in 2013, Barbara raised thousands of pounds for cancer research by abseiling down Liverpool Cathedral as ‘SpiderNan’.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
In 2016 Barbara started volunteering with Bootle Action Group helping to litter-pick and clean up local grot spots. In 2017 she helped re-establish the town centre Christmas lights switch on, bringing much cheer to the Bootle community.
In 2017 Bootle Action group became a Community Interest Company and Barbara has been a director and deputy Chairperson since.
Barbara is also a Director of Safe Community Homes, which is a community led provider of high quality, affordable housing.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Barbara is the Healthwatch Sefton Locality Representative for Bootle and Chair of the Healthwatch Sefton South and Central Community Champion Network.
In 2022 Barbara was the winner of the Community Change Award at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards.
She has also served time as a governor for Hillside High School and Hugh Baird College, and was a Local Advisory Group Member for the now defunct South Sefton Area Committee.
Although she will be celebrating a very special birthday this year, there is no slowing this young lady down. Barbara has lived in Bootle nearly 80 years, and is affectionately, and quite rightly, referred to as the Duchess of Bootle.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Barbara Rouse was awarded Sefton Courage Award at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport by Peter Equizi from Capelli Hair Studio in Southport. Peter Equizi on stage with host Claire Simmo. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Also enjoying the evening were boxing world title challenger Martin Murray and Liverpool FC legend Gary Gillespie.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
The Capelli Hair Studio team at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Phoot by Kevin Brown Photography
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: [email protected]
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