Maguire presents Pride of Manchester award
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire attended the Pride of Manchester Awards on Wednesday evening, to help celebrate one of the city's many local heroes.
The grandmother of seven, who was born in Jamaica, has spent decades raising funds for schools and local hospitals but she is best known for her Caribbean takeaway shop where as well as her regulars, she makes sure those most vulnerable are fed.
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to affect so many up and down the country, Coke has endeavoured to help out where needed, providing free meals to scores of schoolchildren during holiday time.
It was an absolute honour to present Mama Flo with with her #PrideofManchester award tonight. A selfless community hero who’s an example to us all. Amazing night full of inspirational winners. 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/XSytie3SLC
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 10, 2023
Speaking about her unselfish acts to help those most in need, the 68-year-old said: "It's hard but I have to help them. I know people are struggling. I have seen it and heard it. I talk to people secretly. Customers come in and say: 'Mama Flo, I'm struggling. That's all I have'. I don't even count it because I know it's not enough but I give them the meal.''
Her Buxton Road restaurant, Mama Flo's, with its signature curry, goat and brown stew chicken, has been given the thumbs up by famous faces including footballers Kyle Walker and Maguire himself.
But for Florence, everyone in the community counts. She added: ''When I was a little girl, my dad would make food abundantly. We’d feed all the people in the village.''
As captain of Manchester United, Harry continues to spearhead community-based initiatives, as he, Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst all spent time with local schoolchildren at Carrington back in March.
Despite the busy schedule, the England international also made an appearance at our most recent 'Dream Day' event.
“Dream Days are an important part of being at Manchester United, especially when we get to meet our fans and bring some joy and positivity to them,'' said Harry earlier this year.
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ZELEM AND RUSSO PRESENT AWARD
United Women duo Katie Zelem and Alessia Russo were also in attendance at the awards ceremony, with the pair helping to recognise a very special 11-year-old named Hannah Miah.
The youngster raised more than £24,000 for the Muslin Charity, in honour of her late grandfather and was handed the 'Young Fundraiser' award.
The schoolgirl from Oldham insists she will 'keep going' in a bid to raise more and more, with Zelem and Russo both taking time out ahead of our Women's FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley this weekend.
Congratulations to all the award-winners, and nominees, on a special night in Manchester.