THE manager of a local youth club says that the kids she supports ‘keep me going’ as she continues to overcome her own health issues to give back to the community.

Sara Greenfield is club manager for the Dearne Kids Outdoor Activity Group in Thurnscoe, a club she once attended when she was a child.

Despite her struggles with fibromyalgia - a medical syndrome that causes chronic widespread pain and fatigue - and sciatica in her back, which leave her having to occasionally use a wheelchair and with difficulty walking, she is always putting others first.

She told the Chronicle: “I’ve been there about eight years now and seen hundreds and hundreds of kids come through.

“Some are in college and beyond now - my boys are adults now so I’m able to focus more on the group and fundraising and what we do best, nurturing the kids.

“The biggest thing for me is walking in the building and the little ones hug you so tight - that’s lovely, it’s such a rewarding job.

“They turn up and don’t want to go home because they’re having that much fun.

“We have families from all sorts of different backgrounds - some are well off, some are less well off and we have to support them in all sorts of ways beyond the youth club.

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“That can be talking to the parents when they’re having a difficult time, it’s much more than the kids, it’s about the family, the community and the Dearne.

“It’s why we do what we do.”

But for Sara, the support of the youngsters is also what keeps her going, as they help her deal with her own problems.

“Keeping working with these kids made me feel lighter, so my issues didn’t feel like as much of a burden,” she added.

“Along with the medical help I received, these kids kept me going - they’re always so happy to see me and run up to me and give me a hug.

“Apart from my own family that’s what kept me going.

“They’re like sunshine to me, my sunshine.”