IT'S a special kind of woman who spends her life caring for others.

And that's the reason Nan Birch of Rudyard Drive has been crowned the 1996 Darwen Soroptimists Woman in the Community.

For most of her 77 years, the former nurse has done more than her bit to help the plight of those less fortunate than herself.

A stroke nine years put a temporary brake on many of her valuable activities.

And it's virtually impossible to convince Nan that her efforts are worthy of note.

"All this fuss makes me sound like a martyr. I'm nothing special and don't feel I should be given recognition for anything I've done," she insists

With husband Bill she helped create the Peter Pan social group for mentally handicapped youngsters.

By drawing on experiences with their son William, who has Downs Syndrome, they helped other families cope and integrate their youngsters into the community.

In 1981 Nan was given the prestigious title of Serving Sister of St John's Ambulance for her tireless efforts with the organisation.

She was a founder of Darwen NSPCC, its chairman for 14 years and an active member of The Friends of Derwent Hall.

The National Children's Homes charity still values her contribution to their committee. And most people fighting a good cause can rely on Nan to be a willing volunteer when they are looking for someone to help them collect money.

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