Natalie Clarke wins the Birmingham Mail for a year

May 12 2008

AS a devoted mum and keen charity worker it's fitting that Natalie Clarke should be a winner in the Birmingham Mail Cut the Cost competition.

Miss Clarke, of Heyford Way, Castle Vale, got the shock of her life when she heard she would not have to pay for the Birmingham Mail, which she reads religiously every day, for an entire year.

The 45-year-old bookworm, forced to leave her job as a carer last year because of severe arthritis, said: "I'm really delighted to be a winner.

"I was reading the Mail on Saturday thinking I hope that will be me - and then it was! When I got the call I was screaming - anyone would think I'd won £1million.

"Thank you Birmingham Mail for making my year."

Natalie, who lives with her 17-year-old son Jordan, a Sutton College pupil, has read the paper for years and particularly enjoys the news stories, What's On guide, crosswords, announcements and the services section.

A former worker in the caterering industry, Natalie is a shining example to people in her community . . . literally.

During a power cut in Castle Vale last year she visited her elderly neighbours and nearby families with young children to deliver candles to ensure they were not in total darkness.

Natalie, who has organised fundraising events for groups including the Bransby Home for Horses and the Salvation Army, is extremely loyal and dedicated. After losing her father to throat cancer eight years ago, having cared for him on a full-time basis, she quit smoking and drinking in his memory.