An Oxfordshire woman who helps the homeless to be able to shower in secure spaces has received national recognition for her efforts. 

Sarah Lamptey is from Bladon in West Oxfordshire and founded the ShowerBox charity in 2018.

She has now been nominated for the Charity of the Year category at the national JustGiving awards. 

READ MORE: Oxford 'milk thief' takes pints from porches in early hours

The charity creates free and secure shower spaces for the homeless in the form of mobile shower units.

Its work has revolutionised street hygiene in central London, and empowered homeless people to maintain good personal hygiene, build confidence and stop the spread of disease. 

Over the past five years, ShowerBox raised more than £41,000 to fund 'ShowerBox Saturdays', where people leave with a renewed sense of humanity and self-esteem.

The charity has also recently crowdfunded £25,000 to buy a trailer facility for a new Birmingham site.

The JustGiving Award finalists were shortlisted from more than 13,000 nominations. 

The panel of judges included Radio DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams, Caroline Jones, actress Angela Griffin, and the general manager of JustGiving, Pascale Harvie. 

This is Oxfordshire: The panel of judges The panel of judges (Image: Contributed)

Sarah Lamptey MBE, ShowerBox project leader, said: “It's really special to have been nominated for this award as JustGiving is where it all began.

"We are now five years in and have given thousands of showers, supporting our guests with their vital self-care.

"My team of volunteers put a lot of work and love into ShowerBox, so this wonderful recognition is for them." 

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager at JustGiving said: “Our charities, fundraisers and crowdfunders are amazing and whilst they don’t do what they do for praise and recognition, every single person and charity like ShowerBox deserves it. 

“The ceremony is a magical evening but most importantly it's a moment for us at JustGiving to thank, formally recognise and celebrate the individuals, groups and charities who have done extraordinary things in the interest of others." 

The winners of the ‘Charity Of The Year’ category will be announced on September 25 at London’s Roundhouse, and official trophies will be awarded by well-known faces from the world of celebrities and sport. 

Pat Phelan, managind director and chief customer officer at GoCardless which sponsors the event, added: "We're proud to recognise the finalists and everyone nominated for this year's GoCardless JustGiving awards.

"We're also grateful to all of the donors who support them.

"By combining the energy and enthusiasm of charities like ShowerBox with the generosity of the nation, truly amazing things can happen."