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Charity founder Hayley Thomas, from Oakdale, has been awarded The Freeman of the City of London, along with former Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Philippa Marsden.

Hayley, who created the Blackwood-based Helping Caring Team (HCT) in 2019, has been recognised for her work in the community, where she and her team operate a foodbank and offer support and advice to the homeless across Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

The honour is bestowed by the City of London, in agreement with The Freeman of The City of London in Islwyn Association, upon a valued member of the community.

Hayley attended the ceremony last week at the Guild Hall, London, and described it as a “real honour”. She continued: “It was a really nice day. My family were there, which was nice – and my mum hasn’t stopped telling everyone about it since.

“For the people in my community to tell me that I deserve the award is what matters most to me. I haven’t had much time to reflect on the day as I’ve been so busy with the charity work.”

Others who have been awarded Freeman of the City of London status include members of the Royal Family and former Prime Ministers and world leaders, as well as entrepreneurs, religious leaders, musicians, television personalities and sports stars.

HCT’s foodbank is open every Wednesday at Blackwood between 9am and 12pm. It runs an outreach service where is gives aid directly to those living on the streets.