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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Sophie Halle-Richards

The Stockport takeaway hero who wakes at 4am and vows to never stop helping others

During the past 12 months, Florence Coke has barely had time to sleep. She sets her alarm for 4am every day in order to run her takeaway business - and help feed the community.

Mama Flo's on Buxton Road in Stockport has become well renowned over the years for attracting famous faces including the likes of Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Stone Roses icon Ian Brown.

But this year, respect for the 67-year-old mum and takeaway owner has reached new levels.

READ MORE: Stockport’s hero takeaway boss in tears after surprise visit live on Good Morning Britain

Providing free meals to key workers during the pandemic wasn't enough for Flo.

As the cost of living crunch hit families across the borough over the summer holidays, she gave away free meals to children who would normally be getting them at school.

Florence Coke, owner of Mama Flo's in Stockport (Manchester Evening News)

Her generosity didn't end there, as she spent the festive period cooking for local pensioners. On Christmas morning she was still volunteering before finally spending time with her family.

Florence says she doesn't do any of it be praised. But this week, that's exactly what happened, when camera crews from Good Morning Britain descended on her famous takeaway.

The local hero was left in tears after being presented an award for her services to the community by weatherman Alex Beresford. She was chosen for the the One Million Minutes award, part of a campaign which asks the public to pledge their time to help those experiencing loneliness.

Man City star Kyle Walker is a Mama Flo's regular (Mama Flo's)

Beresford surprised Flo with the award, and then introduced a special guest, I’m A Celebrity star Owen Warner, to present it to her.

After getting over the initial shock, Flo says she is delighted to have been recognised for her hard work - and says it has spurred her on to think of new ways to help the local community.

"It was the biggest surprise I've ever had in my life," Flo said, speaking to the Manchester Evening News . "We had been filming for a few days but on the last day I could tell something wasn't right.

"I said to the producer something is going on but nobody was saying anything. It turns out my daughter knew everything but I didn't have a clue."

Presenter Susanna Reid said that she was 'like Santa', while Beresford called her a 'real life hero' for her work. "In a perfect world, there would be no need for you to do what you do," Reid added. "But we live in a far from perfect world, and thank goodness for all of your goodness."

Mama Flo provided free school meals during the summer holidays (Manchester Evening News)

"For me it's all about the community," Flo said, reacting to the award. "I am not looking for anything in return. I am doing this from my heart for the people to be happy.

"But to get that award shows some recognition and it shows other people if I can help then so can you. I won't stop. It is something I have always been doing. It never stops.

"Even this Christmas I’ve been travelling all over with parcels. Friday was my last day and then on Christmas morning I was cooking for some local pensioners. I went to go and see my family in the afternoon and my daughter cooked which was amazing.

"In the new year I’m going to keep cooking for pensioners. I know what they like now so I can surprise them. It doesn’t have to be Christmas for me to help."

Flo, who celebrated her birthday on Boxing Day, has long been supporting those in need in Stockport. Hundreds have taken to to social media to praise Flo for her work.

Florence Coke (Manchester Evening News)

"Mama Flo gives all year round and expects nothing in return," said Racheal Barlow. "Stockport can't sing her praises enough. It fills me with tears of joy the way she is, just so selfless and ALWAYS thinking of and helping others. We need a world full of you."

Tracey Aherne added: "So so proud, this made me cry, such a beautiful soul, couldn't have gone to a better person, I’m so proud that we have a kind and loving person like you in our community."

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