A COMMUNITY worker who gives up her free time to help others was delighted to be on the receiving end of an early Christmas surprise this week.

Jackie Bole, from Easterhouse, is the worthy winner of the Evening Times room makeover competition, run in partnership with City Building.

She has faced considerable challenges in recent years, including the tragic death of her first husband and redundancy.

Her proud daughter Beth nominated her for a fantastic bathroom overhaul.

And as she joined the team who will be carrying out the transformation, Jackie received an extra surprise - her bedroom will be spruced up too.

“Jackie has had a tough time recently,” explains designer Lynsey Scott, who is heading up the project.

“Money has been tight and she is so busy running East End Flat Pack Meals, going to college and being a mum, that decorating is at the bottom of her priority list.

“When we visited to work out a plan for the bathroom, Beth told us her mum’s bedroom was also in need of some TLC - so we have decided to do both.”

A stunned Jackie, who met project manager and plumber Siobhan Logue and contracts manager Natalie MacPherson at the factory too, was speechless when Lynsey broke the news.

“I just can’t believe how kind everyone has been,” she said. “I’m over the moon. I have started the bathroom and done bits and pieces in the bedroom but it has just been impossible to find the time and money.

“This is a really special early Christmas present for me.”

Jackie, her husband Gary and six-year-old son Jacob visited RSBi, the manufacturing arm of City Building to choose finishes and fabrics for the two rooms.

Lynsey, Siobhan and Natalie gave her a tour of the factory in Springburn.

Natalie, from Cardonald, who has worked for the company for 18 years, is a painter and decorator to trade. She said: “It’s been brilliant to get to know Jackie and her family. The whole team is really looking forward to working on this project.

“We will have two plumbers, two painters, two joiners and an electrician working flat out to make it all happen by Christmas.”

She added, with a smile: “We really hope to be able to keep all the work secret until the last minute so Jackie can have a fantastic surprise at the end.”

Siobhan, from Riddrie, has worked for City Building for 11 years.

“The fact that we have an all-female team working on this project is a coincidence, but it’s great that we can show how many women do work in a wide range of roles in the business,” she said.

“Things have really changed in the construction industry for young women.”

Jackie’s husband Gary said: “It was lovely of Beth to nominate her mum for this prize. It shows how much she means to us all.

“Jackie has had a difficult time in recent years but she never complains. She works hard to help other people so it’s great to see her get something back.”