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Fundraiser Sharon selected as ‘local hero’ by MSP

Sharon Deyell said she is ‘truly humbled’ by the many nominations she received

A TRIP to the Scottish Parliament beckons for local charity fundraiser Sharon Deyell after she was picked as Shetland’s ‘local hero’.

Each MSP is able to nominate one constituent to attend the Scottish Parliament’s seventh session opening ceremony, which takes place at the end of this month.

New Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad recently put out a call for nominations and received hundreds of messages in response.

Sharon Deyell at her 2025 swapshop in Aith. Photo: BBC Radio Shetland

After “careful consideration”, she has selected charity fundraiser Sharon Deyell as her nominee.

Among her fundraising exploits is the popular Sharon’s Swapshop, which allows people to buy donated clothes in return for donations.

This has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity over the years.

Deyell said she has been “truly humbled” by the nominations she has received and “been blown” away by the many messages she has received from people.

“I’m joost brawly excited!” she exclaimed.

Goodlad said: “I have been blown away by the number of folk in touch to nominate their family members, friends, neighbours and local community members.

“It’s been so wonderful to read about all of these fantastic local people, who give huge amounts of their own time and energy to improve the lives of other Shetlanders.

“Thank you so much to everyone who got in touch with me to share the stories of local heroes all over Shetland. I feel so privileged to represent somewhere made up of such kind-hearted people.

“I really wish I could have chosen a whole big group of folk to take with me down to parliament on the 27th of June, but I had to pick one person.

“For me, Sharon’s story really stood out. She has worked tirelessly for her local community and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes through her efforts over many years.

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“I’m delighted she’ll be joining me at the Scottish Parliament later this month as Shetland’s local hero.”

Deyell said she also wished to thank Goodlad for her inviting her to the opening event.

Back in 2017 Deyell also had a Flybe plane named after her as part of a project designed to celebrate a community hero.

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