A “truly inspirational” pensioner has bounced back from her health problems and now motivates others.

Edna O'Hara, 75, from Broadway, Bingley, has been nominated for one of the Telegraph & Argus Community Stars awards.

When she was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease seven years ago and told to take it easy she took doctors at their word and her world shrank.

“I didn't go out much, only shopping twice a week, and spent the rest of the time staying in watching TV which didn’t do my health much good,” she said.

But her life changed for the better when her GP referred her to an eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation course to build up her fitness, which she completed and then went on to help others who had been in her same isolated situation.

She is now leading a few rehabilitation groups of her own, putting on walks three times a week in Keighley and around Eccleshill, helping out with a singing group in Keighley and running a tea and talk club.

She is also an ‘activity buddy’, introducing people who have lost some of their confidence or feel lonely to other pastimes.

Shanaz Begum, from the Champions Show The Way initiative, based at Cottingley Surgery, nominated Mrs O’Hara for the Community Stars’ volunteer, community champion and community group categories, saying: “Edna is a truly inspirational person who helps to motivate others to have a better quality of life.

“Even when she is not feeling so good she keeps going and wants to keep on helping people. This makes her an amazing person and we can’t thank her enough for the difference she is making to so many people.”

The Community Stars campaign is being organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council to see hard-working volunteers rewarded.

Readers are being invited to nominate people in their streets and communities who they feel have gone the extra mile.

Nominations, which must be received by Monday, September 2, will be whittled down by a panel of judges before a shortlist goes out to a public vote. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 4 where they will each be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.

This year we are looking for nominations in the categories of Good Neighbour, Volunteer, Fundraiser, Community Group, Young Active Citizen and Community Champion.