​A kind-hearted pensioner who has devoted the past seven years to helping the Alzheimer’s Society has been nominated for a Pride of Gloucestershire award.

Jean Leach, 78, recycles old greetings cards to make new ones and sells them on. All proceeds go to the society which helped her cope with her husband Peter’s illness.

Peter passed away three months ago after suffering from the disease for eight years.

Jean was nominated by former nurse Carol Barton from Holly House in Gloucester.

She said: “Jean is such a lovely lady. She’s very proud and would be embarrassed to be nominated but she does such a lot of good work. She deserves to be put forward because she cares for others without a thought for herself. She’s made lots of money by selling the cards and I know it takes up a lot of her time.”

Jean, from Hempsted, has raised thousands of pounds for the society throughout the years. She has been nominated in the Volunteer Hero category, sponsored by GE Aviation.

She said: “When my husband was diagnosed we both wanted to do something so we started making the cards and it’s just carried on.

“I get old cards and redesign them individually, re-mounting them before selling them on.

“Peter and I both wanted to give something back because of the support we received. If the money can be put to good use and help someone in some small way then I’ll be happy. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease.

“I make all sorts of cards – whatever anyone requests – from birthday to Christmas cards and then sell them at coffee mornings, luncheons, and other fundraisers to help generate funds.”

The society is based at North Wing Agriculture House, Greville Close, Sandhurst Road, Gloucester.