A SELFLESS Wrexham woman who enjoys making others in the community happy has received a community hero award for her efforts.

The F Jones Initiative award scheme recognises those who contribute most to the Wrexham community and were originally established by Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service.

The latest winner of the prize is Alexandra Maguire Rippon, who spends a great deal of time out of her year putting a smile on others' faces.

Despite suffering many heart-breaks herself, such as losing her baby daughter and later losing her 38-year-old husband David to cancer, with her dad passing away in the same year, Alexandra has, for many years, put others before herself.

A sponsored head shave she took part in raised £1,700 for Cancer Research UK and the hair was donated to The Little Princess Trust, to make wigs for children with cancer.

Talking about some of the other things she does to make people happy, Alexandra said: "I ride my mobility scooter decorated up on certain occasions like Christmas and I’m dressed up as Mother Christmas.

"As soon as the Christmas selection packs hit the shelves, I buy little by little, ready to hand out to all the children of our town."

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The 54-year-old added: "I usually have over 400 by the time Christmas is here, so I start handing them out to children. Seeing them smile makes my day, as you can’t put a price on a smile of a little child.

"I do the same for Easter. I dress up as the Easter bunny, decorate my mobility scooter up for Easter and buy about the same, around 400 Easter eggs, to hand out to all the children.

"When Halloween comes I decorate my whole garden and have over 400 children come to my garden to see it. I made 400 sweet cones, as well as a cauldron full of sweets for them. You just don’t know if that’s the only sweets that a child is going to get, and it makes them happy.

"I raised £138 for Yellow And Blue in Eagles meadow, from my Halloween Garden. I love seeing happy children. I have a few times bought food for the Wrexham outreach team too, to help the homeless people of our town. I just like to help those less fortunate than me.”

Alexandra, who lives in Caia Park, added: "I'm known around the town for my crazy coloured hair and music on my mobility scooter."

Handing her the prize, the F Jones Initiative team said: "The latest recipient of the 2024-2025 Wrexham Recognition award, is the amazing Alexandra Maguire Rippon.

"Well done Alexandra, you are amazing and an inspiration to us all!"