Founder appointed as life president

Kate was one of two individuals whose vision and hard work led to the formation of the charity to help disabled people get around the town. That was in 1997 and the organisation has grown to a record of 12,500 hirings in the year to end March. These were made at its head office at the back of the town hall and in Butlins.

The near thousand users were able to choose from a fleet of almost 70 scooters, wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs.

Mrs Allen was presented with a certificate to mark her continual involvement with Shopmobility at its latest annual meeting.

MP Nick Gibb, the charity's patron, handed over the framed certificate. He said it had taken a year of hard work before Mrs Allen and her co-founder, Sheila Merrett, were able to launch Shopmobility in July 1997.

'Kate has worked tirelessly since then as the chairman and a volunteer with Shopmobility,' he stated. This was in addition to her roles over the years with Arun Sports Association for the Disabled, the Beavers Bowling Club and the West Sussex Association for the Disabled.

'Kate, you are a wonderful contributor to our community,' he stated. 'Who can say greater than that about any person?

Felpham resident Mrs Allen (76) was astounded and left speechless at receiving the honour.

She was the charity's chairman until July last year. She is still one of its trustees as well as a helper in its town hall offices.

She said later she and Mrs Merrett, who has since moved abroad, were determined to get Shopmobility started in Bognor to help people with disabilities get around the town.

'We didn't think Shopmobility would be as successful as it has become. We went about things the right way and didn't run before we could walk,' she said.