0:00:03 > 0:00:07Across Britain, in hundreds of towns, cities and neighbourhoods,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09people are struggling with everyday worries
0:00:09 > 0:00:11that have got on top of them.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But there ARE places to turn,
0:00:13 > 0:00:17even if it seems that no-one else will help.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19This centre is one of them,
0:00:19 > 0:00:23made unique by the woman that runs it.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25A nun for 50 years...
0:00:25 > 0:00:26HONKS HORN
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Bye-bye!
0:00:27 > 0:00:31..she's made it her mission to get this community back on its feet
0:00:31 > 0:00:36and make a real difference to the lives of as many people as she can,
0:00:36 > 0:00:38in her own particular way.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43They don't call me the Formidable Sister Rita for nothing.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Today, Sister Rita looks set to get her hands dirty with
0:00:51 > 0:00:55an ambitious new plan to grow supplies for the food bank.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59We know this is going to cost, but, you know, the money will come.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03You're doing this for everyone in Collyhurst. Not just for us.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08The Sister also celebrates 50 years of being a nun in a racy way!
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- How fast would you like to go? - About 140.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Don't be scared, Chris. Everything will be fine.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And Christmas comes to Collyhurst,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20as Sister Rita throws a party for the community
0:01:20 > 0:01:23to celebrate everything they've achieved.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Community is about working together
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and you can't buy that.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32APPLAUSE
0:01:37 > 0:01:40It's December in Collyhurst, Manchester, and,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44as the Lalley drop-in centre and food bank opens its doors to visitors,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47the team is gearing up for its busiest time of the year.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- SANTA:- # The weather outside is frightful
0:01:52 > 0:01:54# But the fire is so delightful. #
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Away from the festive preparations, it's business as usual.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Right, these are the announcements and they're very important.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05And running the show here, with a style all of her own,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07is team leader Sister Rita.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Blimey! What's wrong with you lot?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13It really makes my brain tired.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16The Sister's ruled the roost at the Lalley since it first opened
0:02:16 > 0:02:20seven years ago and in that time, she's made it her mission to give
0:02:20 > 0:02:24out practical help and information to everyone who needs it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29This is exciting and you need to listen to this.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31And there's a good reason,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35why the centre's visitors refer to her as The Formidable Sister Rita!
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Are you listening or not?
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Is the middle table going to drive me crackers or what?
0:02:41 > 0:02:44We can't have two people talking cos I'm deaf,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47and I can only hear one and that's me!
0:02:48 > 0:02:50With the festive season just round the corner,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54unsurprisingly, Sister Rita has a whole host of ideas
0:02:54 > 0:02:56as to how she can help as many people as she can.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04Every year we do toys for your children, brand-new toys.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Every one of you who are interested, you have to be on benefits.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14We're not a shop, but we do want the children to have decent toys
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and they WILL be decent toys.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Sister Rita's annual Christmas Toy Appeal
0:03:20 > 0:03:24has become one of the highest profile activities she organises
0:03:24 > 0:03:25to help the local community,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30which has one of the highest rates of poverty in the UK.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34We have to work very hard to get the toys, but we have a mission here
0:03:34 > 0:03:38to make sure that those toys go to the homes that really need them.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45She's planning to make this year's toy appeal bigger than ever,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47but the Sister's also come up with a new idea
0:03:47 > 0:03:51she hopes will benefit local residents all year round.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55She wants to develop an allotment on the land behind the Lalley Centre
0:03:55 > 0:03:59to grow a regular supply of fruit and veg for the food bank.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02You need to bring big bags next time.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Sister Rita and her deputy Max work hard to keep the Lalley food bank
0:04:07 > 0:04:11stocked with donations from both local and national companies.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Currently, however, they don't get as wide a range of fresh produce
0:04:18 > 0:04:19as the Sister would like.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21So her plans for the allotment
0:04:21 > 0:04:25could transform what the team is able to provide.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29NHS figures suggest the number of people being admitted to hospital
0:04:29 > 0:04:33with malnutrition in the UK has risen by more than 50%
0:04:33 > 0:04:36over the last four years.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39And, though that's the extreme, Sister Rita sees plenty of people
0:04:39 > 0:04:43coming to the Lalley who can't afford enough nutritious food.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Tim, two more, please.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53The allotment by the side of the centre will help tackle that.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56So, to discuss what's feasible, the Sister is meeting Mark
0:04:56 > 0:04:59from national environmental charity, Groundwork,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03and Margot, from a local community action co-operative, Big Local.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- Right, Mark. Are you able to do this?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11We've got a green team ready in place,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14so as soon as we get the lease agreement,
0:05:14 > 0:05:20- we are able to get the landscape architect doing the design.- Yes.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25Then we've got a steady programme of work for the next six months
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- to deliver it.- But it will be big costing, won't it?
0:05:28 > 0:05:30There's quite a bit in the clearance.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- It's going to be in the order of 20,000-30,000.- Yeah.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Well, everything that's going to be produced here is going to go back
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- into the community so it's most worthwhile.- OK.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41I'm very confident that we can have it up and running
0:05:41 > 0:05:44and that we'll have volunteers who will be interested
0:05:44 > 0:05:48and indeed people who want to do more.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50We know this is going to cost,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53but you know the money will come.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58Determined that the money WILL come, Sister Rita sets about securing
0:05:58 > 0:06:01the cash for the allotment through a combination of funding from the
0:06:01 > 0:06:06Big Local co-operative, Manchester City Council and a private donor.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Once that's sorted, a few weeks later, Mark's green team move in
0:06:10 > 0:06:13and get things under way.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Right, Mark. What's going on here today?
0:06:15 > 0:06:17OK. Well, the works have started this morning.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21We've got the machine in behind us and he's creating an access track
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- down to the bottom and then he's clearing all the bramble.- OK.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29By the end of today, all of that will be cleared
0:06:29 > 0:06:32so you'll be able to see everything, the whole site in one go.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- Even all these brambles in the middle?- All of that.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- They'll all be gone?- Yeah.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38That is phenomenal.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Just as satisfying for Sister Rita as the work starting,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46is the fact that Mark is investing in a group of young trainees from
0:06:46 > 0:06:51the local area who he's committed to pay for the next six months.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Where are all these lovely, young people?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57They're putting a fence up just behind the bramble.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- They're starting the fence. - In the rain?- Yes, yes.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- God forgive you, Mark!- Yes.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07One of the trainees on the allotment team is 21-year-old Beth.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10I was going to the job club in the Lalley Centre and I got speaking
0:07:10 > 0:07:14to Sister Rita and she told me about this, so it's pretty exciting.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Beth is a young single mum who has been looking to get back to work
0:07:21 > 0:07:23since her four-year-old son started school...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Shall we have a race?
0:07:28 > 0:07:32..and she's pleased to be part of Sister Rita's project.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37It's a job, I'm getting paid, and I've got the enjoyment of knowing
0:07:37 > 0:07:39it will change people's lives.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Beth hopes it's not just the Lalley visitors
0:07:43 > 0:07:46who will benefit from her job at the allotment.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48I want my son to see me going to work,
0:07:48 > 0:07:49so then it becomes the norm for him.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52I'd rather let him know that you've got to earn money
0:07:52 > 0:07:53instead of just sitting at home.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I don't really want him to know that much about the job centre.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59I want to give my son the best start in life, the best opportunities.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04Also working to create the allotment is 23-year-old Wes.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06I've been looking for work for around four to five months
0:08:06 > 0:08:08because I've got a baby on the way
0:08:08 > 0:08:10and I need to be the breadwinner in the house.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Plus it's good for him as well so he can see that I'm coming home
0:08:14 > 0:08:16getting dirty, so he can say,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20"Oh, Daddy, I want to be a ground worker just like you."
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Sister Rita is delighted to see these young trainees so enthusiastic
0:08:26 > 0:08:30about putting something back into the local community.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33She believes the more they invest in something like this,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35the more they'll stick with it,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38until they've achieved something they can be proud of.
0:08:38 > 0:08:39You're doing a brilliant job
0:08:39 > 0:08:43and I can't believe what's been done already.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Thank you so much.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- You'll be able to look and say, "We did that."- Yeah.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50You know, "We did that for the whole area"
0:08:50 > 0:08:51cos that's what you're doing.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55You're doing this for everybody in Collyhurst, not just for us,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58so, well done, you, and thank you so much.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Other food banks across Britain
0:09:04 > 0:09:07have struck up successful relationships with local allotments.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10And, though it's a wet, dreary day,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13already Sister Rita can see the difference in this site
0:09:13 > 0:09:16and its potential.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19The challenge now for Sister Rita's green team recruits
0:09:19 > 0:09:23is to see if they can get the allotment site fully transformed
0:09:23 > 0:09:25before winter really starts to bite.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37# Oh, what a beautiful morning
0:09:38 > 0:09:42# Oh, what a beautiful day. #
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Buoyed up by the prospects for one of her projects,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Sister Rita's on her way to discuss another.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52She's off to a planning meeting
0:09:52 > 0:09:56to organise the Lalley's annual Christmas toy appeal,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00which collects and distributes toys to families who can't afford them,
0:10:00 > 0:10:04not just in Collyhurst, but across Manchester.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09The Christmas toy project is a massive project.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12People and families who are very poor
0:10:12 > 0:10:16and can't afford to get a decent present for the children
0:10:16 > 0:10:21come into the Lalley Centre and we give them the toys so that no child,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24hopefully, in and around Manchester
0:10:24 > 0:10:27is suffering on Christmas morning because they haven't got anything.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31The aim is that children
0:10:31 > 0:10:33living in the most underprivileged parts of the city
0:10:33 > 0:10:35will each be provided with a sack of gifts
0:10:35 > 0:10:39that includes a main present, a selection box
0:10:39 > 0:10:41and various stocking fillers.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Last year, nearly 800 sacks were given out
0:10:44 > 0:10:47to families who might otherwise have had to resort
0:10:47 > 0:10:49to more desperate measures to ensure their children
0:10:49 > 0:10:51don't go without at Christmas.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55It's the loan sharks - oh, they're a nightmare.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57They are in Collyhurst,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00we all know they're illegal, but that doesn't matter,
0:11:00 > 0:11:03they are still there,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06making people's lives totally and utterly miserable.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09All that is part and parcel
0:11:09 > 0:11:13of the pressure on parents when Christmas comes.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14Massive pressure.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The appeal's been running for several years
0:11:18 > 0:11:20and the woman Sister Rita has entrusted with the task
0:11:20 > 0:11:24of pulling it all together is volunteer Dee.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Hello, Dee, how are you?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Very well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30God, I need that hug, anyway.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Dee first became involved in the toy appeal three years ago
0:11:33 > 0:11:35when she helped Sister Rita
0:11:35 > 0:11:38give out 230 gift sacks throughout Manchester.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43As the appeal began to grow, she offered to co-ordinate the project
0:11:43 > 0:11:44for the Sister from her home
0:11:44 > 0:11:47in the more affluent surroundings of Cheshire.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49There's a few changes we'll make this year, Sister.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51We've learnt there's a big difference
0:11:51 > 0:11:53between a six-year-old boy and an eight-year-old boy
0:11:53 > 0:11:54and what toys they would like.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56We'll target specific individual age groups.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58We think it will be easier for sorting.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00We'll definitely add batteries to all the toys again.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03It costs money, but we realise you can't give toys
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- and not put batteries on them. - I think that's wise.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09The toy appeal relies largely on donations from businesses
0:12:09 > 0:12:13and both Sister Rita and Dee are keen to get the word out
0:12:13 > 0:12:15to as many people as possible.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19We've set up a Facebook page just to help with the fundraising, really.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I'll get the Just Giving page set up once I speak to Max.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23And you've got volunteers?
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Yeah, we'll have about 60 or 70
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- lined up to help us again this year. - Good, OK.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32It might be an idea if I could say, could I go on the radio?
0:12:32 > 0:12:33Yeah, and put an appeal out.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Could I go on the radio, because, you know,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39we cannot take toys, you know, the day before Christmas Eve.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41It's too late to organise them.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44It's too late to get to distribute them.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Yeah.- I might just ask them.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49They wouldn't be able to donate in Collyhurst.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52You feel great satisfaction that, you know,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55children are going to be looked after this year.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59All sorts of charities, organisations and radio stations
0:12:59 > 0:13:02will be running toy appeals around the UK this Christmas.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05But Sister Rita is determined that HERS
0:13:05 > 0:13:08will be bigger than ever before.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12She's set a target of putting together a thousand sacks.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15But even with 70 volunteers, collecting and sorting
0:13:15 > 0:13:18hundreds of toys and gifts is quite a task
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and one she's very happy to leave in the hands of Dee.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27I salute Dee so much.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31She's got the toy appeal off to a fine art.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Now, you get nothing off to a fine art
0:13:34 > 0:13:41without a tremendous amount of work and energy, sweat and tears
0:13:41 > 0:13:43and I'm so grateful to her.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47Back at the Lalley
0:13:47 > 0:13:51and one of the centre's more regular activities is underway.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54The Lalley Centre is home to a weekly job club
0:13:54 > 0:13:57which provides assistance to those looking for work,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59in particular helping with new job applications
0:13:59 > 0:14:01and keeping CVs up-to-date.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Nationally, more than half a million people
0:14:04 > 0:14:07are classed as being long-term unemployed,
0:14:07 > 0:14:11defined as being without a job for anything over 12 months.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Unemployment in this area is higher than average.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Trying to get a job in Collyhurst...
0:14:20 > 0:14:21..is not easy.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27Men, especially, I kind of think they're a bit vulnerable.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Some of them have been made redundant
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and they're on the computer,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34they apply for job after job -
0:14:34 > 0:14:37they don't even get an answer to say, "Thanks for your application."
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Nothing.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And you can see it in their eyes, you know.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45The hope is beginning to fade.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48One of the regulars at the job club is John.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I've been looking for about three years now for a job.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I would rather work. I don't like going to sign on.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56My life's been better when I've had a job.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I do other things. It gives me other options.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03I haven't got internet at home, so I can come for two hours
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and get a lot of help off people.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07In those two hours at the job club,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11John is able to apply for around five jobs a week.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15So far, he's had no success, but he tries hard to remain positive.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19I get replies saying, "Unfortunately unsuccessful this time."
0:15:19 > 0:15:21It is a bit disheartening, but every now and then,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I will get an interview, so I'll keep going,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I'll keep trying, that's what you've got to do.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31John has been working with the main man at the job club, Mark,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35to make sure what he's sending out to potential employers
0:15:35 > 0:15:37looks as professional as possible.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40With John, we're doing a lot of work on, "How's your CV looking?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42"Why have you got one CV if you're looking for three types of work?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44"Let's have three CVs on the go.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46"Let's have four cover letters
0:15:46 > 0:15:48"that are geared towards the different jobs."
0:15:48 > 0:15:50In the last three years,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52John has become used to getting knockbacks,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54but rather than be beaten by that,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58he's filled his time by throwing himself into the volunteering he does
0:15:58 > 0:16:00collecting bags of clothes for a charity.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08I'd rather come out doing stuff like this than being sat at home
0:16:08 > 0:16:10just watching the television all day.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12It keeps me fit and active and I like it.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17John works like he's being paid. He's got enthusiasm.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22John's colleague Sue is in no doubt that he'd be a good bet
0:16:22 > 0:16:25for any employer looking to hire new staff.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I'd really miss him, but it's what he needs.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32He needs a job and whoever gets him, they'll be glad.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35He'd be valued. There's something about John.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36There is.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Count them.- Right.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Two.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45John's optimistic attitude is music to the ears of Sister Rita,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49who's keen to get as many of the Lalley's visitors as she can
0:16:49 > 0:16:52off benefits and back into work.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I want people to work, we all do.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I'm always saying to them
0:16:57 > 0:17:00"You will never be rich on benefits - forget it.
0:17:00 > 0:17:01"Go out and get a job."
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Now, at last, John's been invited to a job interview,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09his first in three years,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13and a longed-for opportunity to get back to full-time work.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I've got an interview today.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17It's working in a warehouse, order picking
0:17:17 > 0:17:20and packing for a large company.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22So, yeah, there's a lot resting on it.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25It's not a part-time job or just Christmas work.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27It's going to mean a lot for me if I get a full-time job.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31I'm very nervous, but I'll give it my best shot, see how I go on.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40Interview over and John seems hopeful about his chances.
0:17:40 > 0:17:41It went really well, actually.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43I thought I'd be really nervous, but I wasn't.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I told them that I do voluntary work as well,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47so they took that into consideration as well.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50All that's been wrote down as they're interviewing me.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53They're going to let me know in a week,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55so it's that exciting.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep for days now!
0:18:01 > 0:18:02But a few days later,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05when John hears back from the company,
0:18:05 > 0:18:06it's not good news.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10I was a bit gutted at first, but there's plenty more jobs.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I've applied for five today and I'll just keep carrying on.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18John won't let even this experience get him down
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and he's determined to use it to his advantage.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I think the positive thing was at least I got an interview.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27The negative is, obviously, I didn't get the job!
0:18:27 > 0:18:30That's the only thing that's negative about it,
0:18:30 > 0:18:31cos I'm more positive than negative.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34I will keep applying for work.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35I know you're gutted, but you know what?
0:18:35 > 0:18:38You'll get the one that's right for you.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40I'll just carry on. I'm determined.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Yeah, you are. That's what you have to do, love.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Well done for trying anyway.- OK.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51The ongoing encouragement provided by Sister Rita and her team
0:18:51 > 0:18:53makes all the difference to people who depend
0:18:53 > 0:18:55on the support they get from the Lalley.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58And once they're back on their feet,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01some of them are keen to find a way to repay her.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04John Hughes had to rely on the centre's help
0:19:04 > 0:19:06after his IT job in Thailand
0:19:06 > 0:19:08unexpectedly ended and he had to return to the UK.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15When he first visited the food bank, he hadn't eaten for eight days
0:19:15 > 0:19:17and was living in a flat with no bed to sleep on.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20I've got two single duvets.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24I put one on the floor, lie on it and the other one covers me up.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28The Lalley's food bank provided him with a lifeline
0:19:28 > 0:19:33and the Sister's team also managed to sort him out with a bed for his flat.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35This will be nice and warm.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Yeah, well chuffed.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42After the assistance he's had and with his finances now back on track,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46John wants to give something back to others who may be struggling
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and he's come up with an idea to help him do it.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51I find computers quite easy,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55but I know that there's a lot of people out there that don't.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58I realised I did have skills that I could pass on
0:19:58 > 0:20:00to make a difference to somebody else.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04I just thought, "Well, possibly, I may be able to do this as a living,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06"actually start my own business."
0:20:07 > 0:20:09The business end of John's idea
0:20:09 > 0:20:12centres on him charging for his technical know-how
0:20:12 > 0:20:14to help new companies get online.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17But alongside that, he wants to offer his skills
0:20:17 > 0:20:21free of charge to visitors at drop-in centres like the Lalley,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25so he can teach people the basics and help them feel more confident.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29And it's this part of the plan he's most passionate about.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Nowadays there's no access to jobs, other than being online
0:20:33 > 0:20:38and, you know, there's a big skills gap between certain generations.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42So if they haven't got the computer skills, you haven't got a chance.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46John's already helping run computer sessions
0:20:46 > 0:20:48at another drop-in centre close to his home
0:20:48 > 0:20:51and he's enjoying the sense of achievement they're giving him.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56There was a lady in here that had no knowledge at all of computers.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58The minute she says, "I've got it,"
0:20:58 > 0:21:00how do you think that makes me feel?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03So, yeah, it's an amazing feeling.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06But John has a particular debt to the Lalley,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08so he wants to talk to Sister Rita
0:21:08 > 0:21:10about setting up a computer club there too.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13I've seen the skills gap
0:21:13 > 0:21:15and sometimes you do have to walk them through it several times
0:21:15 > 0:21:21to ensure that they can switch a computer on, access the job search,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23otherwise they get their benefits stopped.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26I know there are people who need it.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Even if you took one person to begin with
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and teach them the basic skills of using the computer,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35that would be a tremendous help.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Sister Rita's delighted with the idea.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44She gets real pleasure from seeing John's life back on track
0:21:44 > 0:21:47and a computer club will be yet another string to the Lalley's bow.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52But amidst all the plans to boost what she brings to the community,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55even Sister Rita needs the occasional treat.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59The one she's about to have is a real corker.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01CAR ENGINES ROAR
0:22:01 > 0:22:05The Sister's been celebrating her 50th year as a nun
0:22:05 > 0:22:09and to cap that off, she's come to Oulton Park racetrack in Cheshire
0:22:09 > 0:22:12to indulge in one of her passions - fast cars.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16I like cars, I like fast driving.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21I think it's about my character - I want to get places in life,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25with people, with jobs, with relationships, with everything.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I want to get places with them and I want to get places fast.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32And I think that that comes out in the driving.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35It's not normal for a nun to like speed
0:22:35 > 0:22:40and to like cars I guess as much as I do, but then I'm not normal.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44As a special present,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46her friends have clubbed together
0:22:46 > 0:22:48to help make one of her dreams come true.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52She's about to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- Not a very nice day, is it? - Well, it's not very nice,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57but it makes it a little bit more challenging.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- Does it?- Yeah. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:22:59 > 0:23:01We're up for a challenge, sir.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Of course, Sister Rita does nothing by halves
0:23:05 > 0:23:09and she's determined today will be no exception.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Well, I want to see how much speed I can get up to.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Could I get it to 100, 120?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16That would do it for me.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19There's no use getting into a car and going around 70 or 80 miles.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I'm kind of used to doing that.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22I'm really up for it.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- Samantha Moseley?- Here. - Have we got Sister Rita?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- Here.- Thank you.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32To watch her in action, a small army of well-wishers from Manchester
0:23:32 > 0:23:34has arrived to cheer her on,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37led by old friend Sister Collette.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39When Sister was celebrating her golden jubilee,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41she said, "I'd love to go round a racetrack,"
0:23:41 > 0:23:44so we've paid for this day for her to come here,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47so that's why we're here to support her.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49I think it's wonderful that I have the support
0:23:49 > 0:23:53from one of my own Sisters and she's bringing a load of people with her.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56They paid for it, they've actually sent me here.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I should go over and shout at them!
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Sister Collette has even gone the extra mile to make sure
0:24:02 > 0:24:05things go as smoothly as possible.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I've blessed the driver that you're going round with.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10I thought he'd need it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12And when Sister Rita meets the instructor
0:24:12 > 0:24:14taking her round the circuit,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18it looks like her old friend may just have a point.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19- What's your name?- Chris.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Chris. I don't want to do 80mph.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24How fast would you like to go?
0:24:24 > 0:24:26About 140.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Don't be scared, Chris - everything will be fine.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37Right now, Sister Rita sounds like she's in a confident mood.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38Oh, no, it's too small.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- I must have a big head. - You've got a big head.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42I must have a big head.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- How's that?- That's better.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49But it seems even she isn't averse to a few uncharacteristic nerves.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54I would really prefer to race round that track in my own car
0:24:54 > 0:24:56and not in a Ferrari.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00I know exactly how far I can push the car that I drive.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I haven't a clue when it comes to this, so, well,
0:25:03 > 0:25:04let's see what happens.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08I'm out of my comfort zone here, absolutely!
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Maybe for the first time.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12HEAVY METAL BASS GUITAR RIFF
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Before she knows it, she's off,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20opening up the throttle on the track.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21ENGINE REVS
0:25:21 > 0:25:22HEAVY METAL MUSIC
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Turn in to apex, that's that nice, smooth motion that I said,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29so you turn it across the circuit now, bring it into your apex.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31OK, power on now.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32HEAVY METAL MUSIC
0:25:33 > 0:25:35I think she's getting on all right!
0:25:35 > 0:25:39I'd like to know what she's saying while she's driving!
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Not doing much speeding, though.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43Am I?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45I can't see the speedo where I am.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48That's it, that's it! Keep the power going like that.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51As the flying nun pushes through the 100 mile an hour barrier,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54she appears to be handling the challenge in a way her
0:25:54 > 0:25:56watching friends have now come to expect.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59Well, it's just Sister Rita.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00SHE LAUGHS
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Just Sister Rita, the kind of thing she would want to do.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08I think she's a fantastic woman in everything she does.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10She's wonderful.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13She's an inspiration to us all.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15As the Sister arrives back in the pit lane,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19it looks like it's been the perfect way to mark her 50th year as a nun.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21CROWD CHEERS AND APPLAUDS
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It was a memorable day.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30It was an exciting day, and a little bit of fear in me,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I suppose, if I'm honest.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36You are hoping you'll never get anyone like me again.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40(LAUGHING) Oh, don't be daft. I enjoyed that, it was good fun.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- Nice to meet you.- I hope your next one will be easier.- Thank you.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47While Sister Rita's been speeding round the track,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51the toy appeal has also been picking up a pace.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54The aim is to collect enough toys and gifts to give out to
0:26:54 > 0:26:58families that might be struggling to afford presents this Christmas.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01With her army of volunteers, Dee's been busy targeting
0:27:01 > 0:27:06companies across the UK to persuade them to donate.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09But they've got their work cut out to fill the 1,000 sacks
0:27:09 > 0:27:13that Sister Rita's set as this year's target.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15We're a charity based in Manchester and we're looking
0:27:15 > 0:27:17to see whether you could help us with our
0:27:17 > 0:27:18charity Christmas toy appeal.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Fantastic. I'll do that. I'll send an email straightaway.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Thank you very much. Bye-bye.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25We get quite a lot of 'no's.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27We get the occasional 'yes', but maybe nine times out of ten
0:27:27 > 0:27:29it's a 'no'. It's a bit disheartening. But you've just
0:27:29 > 0:27:32got to pick yourself up and pick the next one to ring on the list.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34The hard work is paying off.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Deliveries of toys and gifts are beginning to arrive.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40So, today we've got a few deliveries coming.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43One from a teddy bear charity, where they're going to be
0:27:43 > 0:27:46donating 800 teddies that we'll make sure will go to each
0:27:46 > 0:27:48child that we give a Christmas sack to.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- Have you got it?- All right.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Emotional. Just, yeah. It's fantastic,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56to see people that want to help you and are so behind what we do
0:27:56 > 0:27:58and care so much about the kids we help.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Sister Rita is doing her bit to drum up donations, too, by doing
0:28:02 > 0:28:06an interview about the toy appeal on one of the local radio stations.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- FEMALE VOICE:- BBC Radio Manchester.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Sister, I know that you have a toy appeal, don't you?
0:28:12 > 0:28:17Yes. What we really need is brand-new toys
0:28:17 > 0:28:21and selection boxes. We would be so grateful if we got some
0:28:21 > 0:28:25selection boxes to be sent in, so every child has a decent toy
0:28:25 > 0:28:27and a selection box.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- And the central place is the Lalley Centre, then?- It is.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Dee is on the hunt for those selection boxes, too,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38and has started calling round the big name supermarkets.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40We were wondering whether or not you'd be able to help us
0:28:40 > 0:28:42with some chocolate selection boxes.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I understand. Thanks for letting me know. Thanks for listening. Bye.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46PHONE RINGS OUT
0:28:48 > 0:28:51We're looking to see whether your company would be able to help us
0:28:51 > 0:28:54with a donation of some selection boxes. Would that be possible?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- WOMAN ON PHONE:- That would absolutely be no problem whatsoever.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01Fantastic, that is absolutely music to my ears. Thanks so much. Bye.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Dee's astounded to have secured a donation of hundreds
0:29:05 > 0:29:08of selection boxes in just one call,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10and quickly shares the news with Sister Rita.
0:29:12 > 0:29:13She's really happy.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16That's a big relief for Sister as well, because these are families
0:29:16 > 0:29:18that she knows inside and out. She's so passionate about this.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21So, yeah, that's great. It really is great news.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I think there's a bit of child in every one of us,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and running the toy appeal every year brings lovely memories
0:29:27 > 0:29:30back to when we were children, and there's a great
0:29:30 > 0:29:35feeling of self-worth, and it's not arrogant and it's not pompous.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38It's just a very sincere feeling.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44The toy appeal isn't all that Sister Rita's planning for this Christmas.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48She's organised a big celebration to bring the community together
0:29:48 > 0:29:51and mark the success of everything they've achieved this year.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55The children are going to do Christmas carols,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59songs and play their orchestra for all of you.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01But 2015's not done yet,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04and there's plenty more people to help before it's over.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08As the Thursday job club comes around, John Hughes is ready
0:30:08 > 0:30:12to run his first computer class, open to anyone who'd
0:30:12 > 0:30:13benefit from help in getting online.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17The 'e' is the internet. That's the icon.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19That'll just take you to the internet.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23For Sister Rita, this latest innovation is a huge step forward,
0:30:23 > 0:30:25especially with so many vital services
0:30:25 > 0:30:28becoming increasingly computer-based.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31I think IT skills are essential for the future,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35and I think that you won't be able to claim benefits unless you
0:30:35 > 0:30:39do it all online, and it's very frightening for a lot of people.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41I am delighted, John, that you're able to come in.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44I did want somebody to teach people computers,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46somebody who had a lot of patience.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48I'm very pleased with John, that he's come back and offered
0:30:48 > 0:30:53his gifts and skills here to help us to help other people.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55That, to me, that's what it's all about.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01John's ambitions don't stop with the computer club.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03As he develops ideas for his own business,
0:31:03 > 0:31:08he's signed up for the government's Enterprise Allowance scheme.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11He hopes its funding will help him set up a facility
0:31:11 > 0:31:13where he can offer paid classes for people who can afford them,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17but free training and support for those who can't.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22And he's already looking at a place where he can do that.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24- This is the main hall. - Mm-hmm.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- That's the storage area. - Yeah.
0:31:27 > 0:31:33A year ago, I was all but homeless, and because of the experience
0:31:33 > 0:31:37I had, I would feel much better in my life if I was actually
0:31:37 > 0:31:40doing the same as what people helped me in the last six, 12 months.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43I want to do the same, cos it makes me feel good.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46I think the actual building's more than adequate.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- We would want it five days a week. - Right, OK.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- All right?- Yeah, that's fine. - Fantastic. Off we go.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53SHE CHUCKLES
0:31:55 > 0:31:58It's early days, but John hopes when his plans come to fruition,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02he can start making the sort of difference to other people's lives
0:32:02 > 0:32:04that the Lalley Centre had on his.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08My life has changed quite considerably,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11so, you know, I'm sure whoever's following this will realise
0:32:11 > 0:32:15that and, yeah, I'm happy as a pig in a dirty sty.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22He knows exactly how to help people, and that's wonderful.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24He started in the food bank,
0:32:24 > 0:32:28now he's teaching others how to better themselves like he has done.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30That's a success story for us.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32It gives us resolve to do more for people,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35so, really, it's a winner all around.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42As Christmas gets closer, the toy appeal is gathering momentum.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45And when Dee tells Sister Rita there's a collection waiting
0:32:45 > 0:32:49at a local supermarket, the nun heads straight down to pick it up.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- How do you do? I'm Sister Rita. - Hi, I'm Gail.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Sister Rita's expecting to pick up hundreds of selection boxes -
0:32:56 > 0:32:58but there's a surprise waiting for her.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01We've donated £1,000-worth of goods for you,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03toys aged three plus, these ones,
0:33:03 > 0:33:08and then you've got baby toys for their prams and everything else.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Then we've got things for teenagers as well.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12Oh, that's wonderful, that.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15So many children will be delighted on Christmas morning
0:33:15 > 0:33:18when they open them up, so we're very, very grateful to you.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- You're welcome.- Right, lads, do you want to follow me?
0:33:22 > 0:33:24I think it was very generous,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and I was absolutely delighted with the selection boxes.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I mean, they're possibly the biggest expense, really,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33outside of the toys, obviously. Yeah, it was great.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35I'm very, very happy with it.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41Another project going full steam ahead
0:33:41 > 0:33:44is the development of the allotment the Sister is planning
0:33:44 > 0:33:47to create on land at the back of the Lalley Centre.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50With the dual purpose of providing fresh fruit
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and vegetables for the food bank,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56as well as offering a new way for local volunteers to get involved,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00she's keen to make this something the whole community can be proud of.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03Community is about helping each other.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05It's about being aware of each other.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08That, to me, is priceless.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11On the allotment site, the ground has now almost been fully cleared,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15with just stray roots needing to be pulled up by hand.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20The work has been completed by young recruits from the local area,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22and as they prepare for the latest inspection
0:34:22 > 0:34:26from the Lalley's Big Boss, two of the team, Beth and Wes,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29wonder what she'll make of the progress.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31What do you think about Sister Rita?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34Do you think she'll, like, be happy with this or...?
0:34:34 > 0:34:37(CHUCKLING) Yeah. Yeah, I think she'll be really chuffed with it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Well, if she's not, she'll tell us anyway, like, "Get it done!"
0:34:40 > 0:34:41(GIGGLING) Yeah.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43"Get it done now! We want it that way!"
0:34:45 > 0:34:48But it's immediately clear that Sister Rita is bowled over
0:34:48 > 0:34:50by the work so far.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55I can't believe the difference that you've made in such a short time,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57and you must feel it as well, you must be really pleased.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58- I am, I am.- Yeah.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04If progress continues in the same vein, Sister Rita hopes that by
0:35:04 > 0:35:08next spring, the site will be ready for the first crops to be planted
0:35:08 > 0:35:10and by the middle of the year they'll be
0:35:10 > 0:35:14harvesting their own produce to supply the food bank.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17People are enthused about this.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20They're very interested to know what we're going to do with it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24We might have all the vegetables they want, the fruit trees,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27things I wouldn't have even thought of.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30So, very, very wonderful, what they've done here.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Well, I think you're doing all right, love, don't you?
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- I know. I do myself. - You're doing very well.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Delighted with you. Keep going the way you're going, then!
0:35:39 > 0:35:42While work on the allotment continues,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46another of Sister Rita's projects is in its final stages.
0:35:46 > 0:35:47Just put them in the sack if you want to
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and give them to the logistics, but please don't cable-tie them.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53I want Eileen to double-check everything.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56The toy appeal donations have now all been collected
0:35:56 > 0:35:58and brought to a hall in Cheshire.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Tell Eileen we're still missing some.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06And today Dee's marshalling dozens of volunteers to assemble everything
0:36:06 > 0:36:10into the sacks they'll be giving out to the families who need them.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12I've got a mission to do and we've got to get it done,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14so I'm on autopilot right now.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Faced with the mammoth task of making sure 1,000
0:36:18 > 0:36:20sacks are ready for Sister Rita,
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Dee and her team approach the day like a military operation.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27What we've got here is you'll see each sack is a main Christmas
0:36:27 > 0:36:29present for a child,
0:36:29 > 0:36:33presents for girls aged five, aged ten, 11, we're down to teenagers.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36We've got rugby balls, we've got basketballs
0:36:36 > 0:36:38and footballs, so that is just fantastic.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41We've got softer balls for the younger kids.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44There's plenty of work to be done, but the volunteers are more
0:36:44 > 0:36:48than happy to give up their time for such a good cause.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51It breaks your heart if you think that children like your
0:36:51 > 0:36:56children might not get a present and it kind of touches home.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58There's so many children out there who are in need,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01and I feel very honoured that I can be part of it.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05So proud of what we're achieving here today.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07It's overwhelming to know that all those children have got
0:37:07 > 0:37:10presents on the way. It's just lovely.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15And it's an especially emotional day for Dee and her husband Chris.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Chris and I don't have children of our own, sadly.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21So Christmas Day we wake up and we think we've got 1,000 kids, nearly.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23We can only imagine those kids opening those sacks.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26So much love has gone into this that we can only hope that gets
0:37:26 > 0:37:30transported to those kids on Christmas morning. I think it will.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34Seeing her toy appeal come to such a spectacular head is something
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Sister Rita couldn't possibly miss.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Whoo! It's nearly all finished. Wonderful!
0:37:41 > 0:37:44The Sister is full of praise for the job that Dee
0:37:44 > 0:37:46and the volunteers are doing.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49We could not do this without you,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53so a massive thank you to each one of you. Thank you.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Give them a clap.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02It's masses of work. We're not having 2,000 next year, Chris!
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- We're having 3,000! - No!
0:38:05 > 0:38:06Surprise!
0:38:06 > 0:38:08I don't think I told you that next year I'm retiring.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11No way you're retiring!
0:38:11 > 0:38:13You can't keep going for ever and ever, amen, you know.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- You'll be fine. - It's so bad now that I have to
0:38:15 > 0:38:17say to the Sisters every night,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21"Listen, if you're talking to God, tell Him I was asking for Him"!
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- LAUGHTER - Because I don't get the time...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25It's true!
0:38:27 > 0:38:30With the epic job finally complete,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Sister Rita now has 1,000 gift sacks ready to be distributed
0:38:33 > 0:38:37to families all over Manchester in the run-up to Christmas.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40Max, you'll have to shut this. It's very tight.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42It's very heavy, as well.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50And once she's back at the Lalley, the Sister begins the huge task
0:38:50 > 0:38:54of handing them out to the families she's promised can have one.
0:38:54 > 0:39:00To see it coming to a fruitful end is very satisfying for us.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I really hope you have a lovely Christmas.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04Thank you very much.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07My grandson is only three month, and I would have struggled this year,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10so this is a great help to me.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Among those who'll be opening a sack on Christmas Day is
0:39:13 > 0:39:16the four-year-old son of allotment worker Beth.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19I'm really grateful. She's done a lot.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- This is yours, I do believe. - Thank you.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25I'm really grateful that she's given them to him.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28I think this morning really kick-started Christmas
0:39:28 > 0:39:29for all of us...
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- I hope you have a lovely Christmas. - Thank you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36..the smiles and the greetings and all of that.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38I think that's very, very important.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Father Christmas is specially coming to you!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Thank you so much. We've got Christmas presents!
0:39:50 > 0:39:54And the festive spirit at the Lalley doesn't stop there.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57After a year that's seen her work tirelessly to bring
0:39:57 > 0:40:01the community together, Sister Rita is ready to celebrate
0:40:01 > 0:40:05alongside her staff and visitors by holding a Christmas carol concert
0:40:05 > 0:40:07with the school next door to the centre.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Ladies and gentlemen I give you St Malachy's School.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17# Good tidings we bring
0:40:17 > 0:40:20# For you and your kin
0:40:20 > 0:40:23# We wish you a merry Christmas
0:40:23 > 0:40:26# And a happy new year! #
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It's also a time for the Sister to look back on everything that she
0:40:35 > 0:40:38and the community she cares so much about
0:40:38 > 0:40:41have managed to pull off in the last 12 months.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44What have we achieved this year?
0:40:44 > 0:40:49Well, it's been a wonderful year, because we now have an allotment.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54'It's where you grow wonderful things like potatoes, vegetables,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56'fruit trees.'
0:40:59 > 0:41:01'The friendship group is growing.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05'There are people coming in who really enjoy being together.'
0:41:05 > 0:41:07APPLAUSE
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The school have also been involved in the litter pick
0:41:10 > 0:41:13we had this year and some of the parents
0:41:13 > 0:41:18and some of the volunteers from the Lalley Centre.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Now, you remember we went up to London to see the minister,
0:41:22 > 0:41:23Iain Duncan Smith?
0:41:23 > 0:41:27It's been very good, because anybody who's struggling with
0:41:27 > 0:41:31benefits can come in here and you will get help.
0:41:31 > 0:41:32APPLAUSE
0:41:32 > 0:41:38One of the best things for me about working here is community.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Community is about working together for the greater
0:41:42 > 0:41:45good of Collyhurst, and you can't buy that.
0:41:50 > 0:41:55Between us all, we really hope to make Collyhurst a much better place.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Thank you. You are very, very, special.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Sister Rita? She's kind-hearted.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07She's a warm, genuine, friendly person.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10"Passionate" doesn't even cover it. She cares about everyone here.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14She works tirelessly fighting the good fight all the time.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16She's amazing.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19There are hundreds of neighbourhood drop-in centres that offer
0:42:19 > 0:42:23the same, sometimes life-changing help and support as the Lalley.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Sister Rita and all the volunteers at the Lalley,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27without them I don't know where I'd have been,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29so it's given me inspiration.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31It's very vital round here,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34because there is a lot of people round here that do struggle.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38I wouldn't hesitate to come back again any time,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41because I know I'd be made to feel welcome.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Other centres, too, will be gearing up for their own Christmas
0:42:44 > 0:42:48projects and relying on the efforts of local volunteers
0:42:48 > 0:42:50tirelessly mucking in to help.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55Thank you, because don't forget whose this centre is.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58You guys. All of you. All of you.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05But the Lalley has one thing that other centres don't,
0:43:05 > 0:43:06Sister Rita herself.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10You'll be smiling at the end of the day.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14From the minute I met her I liked her.
0:43:14 > 0:43:15She made me welcome.
0:43:15 > 0:43:21I would say the best thing about her is the compassion to serve people.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24She's an absolute diamond. Everyone loves her to bits.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29And while she may occasionally talk of retiring, it's hard to
0:43:29 > 0:43:32imagine that any time soon she'll tire of making such
0:43:32 > 0:43:38a difference to the lives of so many people in Collyhurst and beyond.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42People come in after you've done something for them and they're
0:43:42 > 0:43:47very emotional, and I get emotional, too. And they say they could
0:43:47 > 0:43:53never thank me, and I'm embarrassed about that, really, if I'm honest.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56But it does give you a great sense of achievement.
0:43:56 > 0:43:57Thank you!
0:43:57 > 0:43:59Yes!
0:43:59 > 0:44:03I want to do the best that I can do for each one that comes
0:44:03 > 0:44:04through the door.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07'You're asking for the world, really, stars out of the sky.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11'But if you don't ask for the stars out of the sky, you won't get them.'
0:44:11 > 0:44:13So they say that when they came in,
0:44:13 > 0:44:16they go out of the Lalley Centre much better off.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Now, to me, that's precious, you can't buy it.
0:44:19 > 0:44:24And I feel very, very privileged to be part of that.