Katrina Whyte was nominated for an award by her partner Allan Winters after helping to refurbish the garden at Glasgow's Cranstonhill Nursery.
The couple spent weeks collecting equipment for the garden in Anderston's Little Street, cleared trees felled by winter storms and oversaw the installation of a bandstand, a climbing bridge, a wooden train and a greenhouse made of recyclable plastic bottles.
Katrina, 30, from Anderston, said: "The nursery asked the parents if they could help with the garden but most of them are working or have other children to look after.
"Allan and I were available and we've done a bit of the work. Finally the kids can get out and play again."
Katrina – mum to Jordan, 3, who attends the nursery, and Anderston Primary pupil Matthew, 9 – said she is not deterred by vandals who have targeted the garden almost every weekend.
She said: "We've just spent the last two days fixing it after youths threw black paint and sprayed graffiti on most of the equipment.
"The children have spent so much time planting flowers and then these people just come in and pull them all up. We've scrubbed all the equipment and a local building company has helped hose the worst off.
"You've got to think of the children and it's not fair to them they can't go out and play."
Katrina was presented with a cheque by Radio Clyde after Allan nominated her for the station's, Big Lunch for a Wee Gem competition, a national project aimed at encouraging neighbourhoods to come together to share lunch.
Katrina and Allan have also got behind the Evening Times' community campaign, Streets Ahead, which supports local projects and individuals. Katrina said: "It can really make a difference to the local community."
Allan added: "A lot of communities haven't got a lot of money and something like Streets Ahead could help."
Working with our partners, the Streets Ahead campaign aims to provide resources on how to make Glasgow cleaner and greener.
The couple say there is still a lot of work to do in the garden but they will celebrate with the nursery at a special Diamond Jubilee event on Friday June 8.
Nursery team leader Ann Paton said: "Katrina and Allan have been such a bonus to the nursery. It's important for the children to have a nice environment."
lalita.augustine@ heraldandtimes.co.uk
'
ARE YOU ready to help build a better Glasgow?
The Evening Times has launched its most ambitious community campaign yet – and we need YOU to help us make it happen.
We want to hear what YOU think needs done in YOUR street – and we will help you make it happen.
If you would like to become a Street Champion, or if you know someone who is already doing inspirational work to improve things in your area, get in touch and let us help you.
If you are ready to play your part, we and our partners can help.
E-mail: streetsahead@heraldandtimes.co.uk or call 0141 302 6520 to tell us what you think needs done in your area and how we can help you to make a difference.
