The owner of a Stockport takeaway has said she didn't "know what to say" after she was surprised live on air that she was the winner of a big community hero award.
Caribbean restaurant Mama Flo's, which is situated on Buxton Road, first opened in 2013 after owner Florence Coke, who is known to regulars as Flo, moved from her original premises in Gorton which opened in 2010.
Over the years, the takeaway has built up a reputation for its jerk chicken, curry goat, jerk BBQ beef ribs and dumplings. On Friday (October 9), Flo appeared on ITV's This Morning as she was told she was a finalist for a big award recognising her efforts.
Surprise announcement on This Morning
But unaware to Flo, she had actually been invited onto the show to be told she was the overall winner of the This Morning Local Hero Award, which is part of the Pride of Britain Awards. The title honours those that have gone to remarkable lengths to help people in their local community.
As hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary shared the news that she would be attending the Pride of Britain awards as a winner, Flo told the pair: "Oh my god, you're joking. Don't make me cry, honestly.
"I don't know what to say. But I just want to thank you guys and all of my people in Stockport all over that supported me getting this award."
Community work rooted in childhood
Asked what she did for the community, Flo explained her support was borne out of her childhood in Jamaica where she was brought up by one of 12 children and saw the efforts her parents made to feed local people. "They helped the community, we cooked and we fed everybody," she said.
Speaking about opening her first shop, she explained: "When I went to Gorton I saw a lot of kids there on the street where I started to help them get off the street and go to school, so I put hundreds and hundreds of pounds in school and got them off the street, which i'm so proud of.
Flo, who was also named the Pride of Manchester Community Hero three years ago, has spent decades raising funds for schools and hospitals, and fed thousands of people during the pandemic and the cost of living crisis including NHS staff and key workers, as well as hospital patients and those living in care homes.
Feeding those in need
"I fed the OAPs, I fed the homeless, I fed the kids. If anyone comes in from prison or whatever, I classify them as human beings. I'd rather give them a meal rather than go and steal, so I fed them as well."
Last year, the Caribbean spot was greeted by the attendance of music legend Billy Ocean who popped up during a break on tour. Following his visit back in November, Flo said: "Boy we had a great night chatting away with his entourage, thank you Billy for a splendid night."
Over the years, other famous faces considered regular customers have included The Stone Roses' legend Ian Brown, actor Will Mellor and former Manchester City player Kyle Walker. And it looks like the This Morning hosts might be visiting too.
"We're going to come into your restaurant," Alison promised during today's episode of This Morning, to which Flo responded: "Please do!"
The Pride of Britain Awards will air on ITV on Thursday, October 22 at 8pm.
