Port Vale chair Carol Shanahan awarded an OBE

Carol Shanahan awarded an OBE: Port Vale co-owner and chair Carol Shanahan has been awarded an OBE for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent.

Shanahan has been recognised alongside others nationwide who have made a significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response.

During the pandemic lockdown Carol oversaw the transformation of Port Vale FC into a thriving community hub which has been assisting thousands of families across Stoke-on-Trent for more than six months.

Carol galvanised volunteers, local businesses and staff from Port Vale FC, and sister companies Synectics Solutions, Summit Hospitality, as well as the Port Vale Foundation and Hubb Foundation charities.

Together this team has overseen the delivery of more than 160,000 meals to homes across the Stoke-on-Trent – benefitting more than 50,000 people, 32,000 of whom are children.

Hubb Foundation staff worked closely with more than 40 schools across the Potteries to identify the most vulnerable families and Carol has constantly assessed the level of support required to meet their needs.

An official club statement said:

Port Vale is delighted to announce that Carol Shanahan has been awarded an OBE for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent.

The club’s co-owner and Chair has been recognised alongside others nationwide who have made a significant contribution to the UK’s Covid-19 response.

Carol, 62, is the Founder and Trustee of the Hubb Foundation – a charity based here in the Potteries which operates from schools and community centres, supporting children and their families with food and activities during school holidays.

Under her leadership and direction, the Hubb Foundation continues to expand to help more and more families and extend the range of support it offers to young people.

During the pandemic lockdown Carol oversaw the transformation of Port Vale FC into a thriving community hub which has been assisting thousands of families across Stoke-on-Trent for more than six months.

Carol galvanised volunteers, local businesses and staff from Port Vale FC, and sister companies Synectics Solutions, Summit Hospitality, as well as the Port Vale Foundation and Hubb Foundation charities.

Together this team has overseen the delivery of more than 160,000 meals to homes across the Stoke-on-Trent – benefitting more than 50,000 people, 32,000 of whom are children.

Hubb Foundation staff worked closely with more than 40 schools across the Potteries to identify the most vulnerable families and Carol has constantly assessed the level of support required to meet their needs.

On hearing that families could not afford personal hygiene and cleaning products, Carol made sure they received supplies with their next food delivery.

Through her position as co-chair of the local Opportunity Area Partnership Board, Carol facilitated links with school improvement projects to provide academic resources for young people (aligned to the curriculum) so they could continue to engage with education.

More than 6,500 activity packs have also been delivered to youngsters across the city.

Where families didn’t have WiFi, Carol ensured they were supplied with dongles.