A WOMAN who has spent more than 50 years helping change the lives of abused youngsters in Notts has been hailed as an "inspiration" at the unveiling of a revamped children's centre.
Jenny Farr started supporting the NSPCC in 1959.
Her achievements over the last 54 years have included a leading role in setting up the charity's Cranmer Street Nottingham Service Centre in 1984. She was also chairman of the NSPCC's Full Stop appeal in 1999, and president of its Child's Voice appeal in the East Midlands in 2006.
The charity yesterday renamed its Nottingham centre Jenny Farr House.
The centre is designed to be a place where abused children can feel safe and supported.
It offers support to children in care and ensures youngsters returning to their birth families are safe. It also helps parents with severe drug and alcohol problems.
Mrs Farr, 79, of Epperstone, said: "I have sadly seen a lot of seriously abused children and I would do anything to give them a better life, and sort sometimes unsortable problems.
"I hope I've helped millions of children."
Mrs Farr said: "When we launched the centenary appeal in 1984 I said it was the tip of the iceberg.
"Now the iceberg is melting and it's much worse. Life today doesn't make it easier.
"This centre is more important than ever before."
NSPCC youth ambassador Kyle, 22, who grew up and lives in Nottingham, attended the renaming ceremony. He wrote a poem for Mrs Farr.
Kyle said: "It's amazing to think she has been doing it for so long with so much passion and drive."
Patricia Read, a member of the Trent NSPCC committee, has also helped the charity for around 50 years.
She said: "Jenny's fantastic. She's an inspiration without a doubt. I knew Jenny from school and she was on this committee and I was asked to join. I haven't looked back."
In 2011, Mrs Farr was awarded an honorary degree by Nottingham Trent University in recognition of her work. She has also been awarded the MBE.
Deborah Chandos-Hall, head of Midlands fundraising, said: "Jenny is a wonderful inspiration and this is our way of celebrating and publicly thanking her for the tremendous support she has given the NSPCC over the last 54 years."
Sandra Lescott-Robinson, Midlands regional head of service for children and families, said: "As Jenny helped us to acquire this building and attended its official opening in 1985, it is very fitting that we are here to unveil this plaque today."
The NSPCC Nottingham Service Centre focuses on helping children in care, families with young children, and young people at risk of sexual exploitation.
For more information about the centre, call 0115 920 3711.
