Everybody can (usually) see it, but very few people get the chance to reach the top.

Emma Brookhouse became one of the chosen few to go up Emley Moor Mast after she was honoured as an unsung community hero.

Emma, 27, of Dewsbury, was rewarded with a trip more than 1,000ft (330m) into the clouds after she triumphed as winner of MP Simon Reevell’s now annual Emleys.

The Dewsbury MP launched the award last year to celebrate the local heroes who work hard for their communities.

Mum-of-two Emma, who hails from Chickenley, was selected for her dedication to helping other new mVOLUNTARYums through the Auntie Pam’s council service.

The Dewsbury-based council service, which is hoping to expand to Huddersfield, offers advice and support for mums on such topics as housing, benefits, health, pregnancy, clothes and relationships.

The judges, senior editorial staff from local newspapers including Examiner head of news Neil Atkinson, were told that Emma had been volunteering at Auntie Pam’s every Friday since the its inception in late 2009.

She said: “I can relate to a lot of the girls that come in as I was only 19 when I had my first child.

“I’m from Leeds and I’d just moved to Dewsbury so I was away from my family and didn’t really know anybody.

“I’ve been through a lot of the experiences they may be having.

“I do enjoy doing it. I like to think I’m making a difference and helping a lot of people.

“If someone comes in quite distressed and they go away feeling calmer and with a smile, it’s a really nice thing to see.”

Along with looking after her own children, Lucas, three, and Paige, six, Emma also works part time at a supermarket and has managed to juggle studying at university and college.

Emma Brookhouse with Simon Reevell, and Neil Moss of Arqiva who made a presentation to her at the top of the Emley Moor tower.
Emma Brookhouse with Simon Reevell, and Neil Moss of Arqiva who made a presentation to her at the top of the Emley Moor tower.

Commenting on her trip up the UK’s tallest structure, she said: “It was very surreal, looking out and seeing all the tiny dots of buildings and sheep. It was like looking at a Lego village.

“It was a once in lifetime thing. It was amazing.”

Mr Reevell said judges of the award had been impressed with the entrants this year.

“It just shows how many people there are out there giving up their time,” he said.

“What impressed us about Emma is not just the fact that she’s been volunteering every week for four years to help young mums, but that it was those mums who had put her up for nomination.

“All those nominated are doing amazing things and it was really hard to choose.”

Along with her trip into the clouds, Emma also received a certificate and a digital radio.

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