Good neighbour nominated as Croydon Champion (From Croydon Guardian)

Good neighbour Peter Hobby nominated as Croydon Champion

7:00am Friday 30th July 2010 in Croydon Champions By Nola Ojomu

The neighbours of a compassionate husband who nurses his terminally ill wife, are so grateful for the time he has devoted to them, they nominated him as a Community Champion.

Peter Hobby, 66, helps his neighbours with their decorating and gardening as well as taking them shopping.

He said: “I’m very proud to have been nominated for something like this. I always like to help people out whenever I can. It’s who I am, that’s how I was brought up.”

Mr Hobby had to leave his job operating heavy machinery so he could stay home and look after his bed-ridden wife, who has cancer.

He was nominated for the award by his neighbour Shaj Khanam and her family.

She said: “Peter is an incredibly kind, honest and approachable individual who despite the difficulties of his wife’s health, assists others in any way he can.

“He is the essence of a good neighbour. In the local area there is a slight language barrier for some of the residents but Peter always finds a way to overcome this. He’s friends with everyone.

“He never complains or asks for anything in return. To all of us he truly represents everything that is good about a neighbourhood.”

The father-of-six was attacked by a group of young boys in June who stole his wallet and beat him up, breaking his arm.

He was injured so badly it took him three weeks to fully recover.

But he did not let his injuries deter him and as soon as he was back on his feet he was out helping his neighbours once again.

Brenda Hobby, 65, said her husband was always thinking of others.

She said: “It's typical behaviour from Peter.

He doesn’t even stop to think about himself.

“He always has to be doing something for someone. He’s such a busy body but it’s why the neighbours love him.

“It’s so kind someone would nominate him for an award.

“He’s just being himself.”

Do you know a local hero? Nominate them for a croydon champions award at www.croydonguardian.co.uk/croydonchampions