Winner Lisa Windebank (From Daily Echo)

Winner Lisa Windebank

6:05pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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The judges felt the lengths Lisa Windebank went to to raise much needed cash to keep the pre-school where she is a lead practitioner going, merited her being crowned the winner of Hampshire's Carer of Children.

She has literally scaled mountains in aid of raising money for the St Michael's Pre-School as sponsorship challenges and money-spinning fundraisers are all regularly undertaken by the 35-year-old.

Lisa, who has a son and four stepchildren, started working at the pre-school in 2005 before becoming lead practioner.

She said: "The pre-school is a charity. It relies on people fundraising and going above and beyond. You do it for the children - fundraising needn't be difficult.

"We always try and get the children involved and it can become fun to involve them.

"For example, we have a count the pennies day which can also be used in the maths curriculum.

"Even the smallest amount can make the difference. The simple fact is if there was no fundraising the pre-school could not continue and provision for the families in the area would disappear. There is a real sense of community at the school and I have a great team behind me."

Not only does Lisa devote her time to the children at the Bassett Avenue school, but she also spends her afternoons at St James Nursery, where she is also in charge.

Lisa was nominated by parents and won support from the committee at the school. Dr Sharon Holmes said: "She never expects recognition or thanks for her efforts, although we do. I feel so lucky that we have someone so dedicated and willing to go the extra mile all the time to make the pre-school the best it can be for the children."

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