The Ultimate Award at the Pride of Essex Awards was the highest honour, recognising an individual whose actions have had a transformative effect on their community or beyond. This accolade celebrated not just achievement, but a commitment to making a positive difference, often through selfless acts of kindness, courage, or dedication. Nominees embodied resilience, vision, and compassion, inspiring others with their efforts that leave a lasting legacy on Essex’s future.
The recipient often impacted more than the local community, inspiring people across the county and beyond. This award honoured those who have made a lasting difference through innovation, dedication, or courage. Their journey often includes overcoming personal challenges, making their achievements even more remarkable. By highlighting such individuals, the Ultimate Award encouraged others to follow their example, reinforcing values of kindness, perseverance, and social responsibility.
The Ultimate Award is no longer running. Please click here to see our current set of awards.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2023 was sponsored by Directa.
Simon had an idea, to help dads who were struggling to cope with the loss of a baby, and whose mental health was at breaking point. In a few short years, from an idea on a piece of paper, he created a community of more than 40 bereaved fathers, playing football each week as part of the 'FC Vilomah' Football Club, which is soon to be a charity in its own right. He works tirelessly, day in and day out - in the evenings, and across weekends - to make sure that the club is more than just a ‘Sunday league football team’, but one that actively supports the baby loss community in Essex. While, also, providing a place for dads who have lost children to come together, and find support through sport. The club isn’t just there for fathers, but has grown an active community of mums, family members, and friends, who support the team.
Not content with just providing support for those dads who play, Simon also put forward the dream of how, as a club, they could help more than just themselves, and their immediate families. His vision was of a community that raised money, raised awareness, and raised the spirits of those affected by baby loss throughout Essex. The club has now launched its own charity, so that it can go beyond football and reach more grieving parents.
From friendly football matches, to charity golf days, the club has raised more than £40,000 for baby loss causes. This, while still operating as a local Sunday league club.
Emma has worked for Sanctus, a homeless charity in Chelmsford for over 10 years. Her team describe her as an 'Earth Angel'. She has health challenges, an autistic child, and her husband is registered blind. Her nominator Sarah Coppin said, "Emma gives her time, her energy and will listen for hours as clients pour their hearts out. She has gone above and beyond for many years, for Sanctus clients. She even left a family wedding to source emergency accommodation for one of her clients over a weekend. This is typical of Emma's committed and selfless service."
Alasdair is a member of Southend Rugby Club and the founder and lead coach of SouthSEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) rugby. With a son Sandy, who has Down Syndrome, Autism and ADHD, it got to a point where it wasn’t safe for Sandy, due to the contact and his condition to continue playing rugby. As a parent and coach Alasdair had to do something for Sandy and others with a Special Educational Need and Disability to continue playing. This led Alasdair to the idea of SouthSEND Rugby. The focus for sessions is listening skills, teamwork, empathy and most importantly fun. They try their hardest to be as inclusive as possible and have regular attendees with DS, ASD, SEMH, GDD, Dyspraxia and one child who is visually impaired. His nominator Elliot Zagger said, “Having watched Alasdair coaching, the children have such a connection with him and you can’t but admire his passion for what he does. Rain or shine Alasdair and his team are there providing a respite for parents to stand back and watch their children with smiles on their faces.”
As volunteer fundraisers to ‘Kids Inspire’, Lane and her ‘Sleigh Belles’ have actively organised and supported the ‘Christmas Appeal’, by collecting Christmas Hampers and gifts for disadvantaged children. Lane began her volunteering for ‘Kids Inspire’ 5 years ago, by volunteering with her son to collect donations, for 16 food hampers, to contribute directly to the ‘Kids Inspire Christmas Appeal’. Since then, her passion, drive and impact has grown. Over the last 5 years, Lane has volunteered her time to raise funds, to create over 1,400 Christmas Food hampers for disadvantaged families across Essex. Alongside the hampers, she also funds many many other gifts for the appeal.
Michele has worked with children and young adults with additional needs since 1986. Her long and successful career led Essex County Council to honour Michele with the "Our People Award" in 2010, for her role in influencing the lives of so many young people. However, in 2013, due to her mother’s dementia she changed tack to spend more time at home to take care of her family. She took a job at a nearby SEN college because she didn't want to give up on her desire to work with people with special needs. She established a class for young adults to boost their social confidence and ease their transition to subsequent colleges. Many anxious young people were rapidly transformed into self-assured adults with a new sense of purpose in life by Michele's compassionate, caring approach. Following the passing of her mother in 2018, Michele made the decision to launch her own programme after realising that some pupils required more than just academic learning. Michele created the new provision in 2019 with just a few rooms. She gave it the name "Lily Rose Day Provision" in memory of her late mother. Since Lily Rose began in September 2019 with just two members, Michele has worked relentlessly to provide life changing opportunities for the individuals in Lily Rose’s care. Today, the team help more than 150 young people across Essex reach their potential.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2022 was sponsored by Directa.
Gill is a mother of three and married to Michael, the former headmaster of Chigwell School, where until recently, she lived and worked as well. Gill lost her father at a young age to cancer of the bile duct. This awful event together with more cancer-related deaths of friends and pupils ignited and drove her fundraising adventures.
In 23 years, she has inspired 1000s to join her in running everything from 1 mile to full marathons. She has organised various events from pro-celebrity cricket matches to coffee mornings. She even gained a Guinness World Record at the 2016 London Marathon as the fastest marathon ever in a full-bodied animal costume, she was dressed as the Cancer research mascot, a polar bear! For the last 8 years she has organised a team of nearly 100 runners to take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Last autumn she ran 7 races in 7 weeks for CRUK which included 4 marathons – exhausting but wonderfully generous donations followed.
For over two decades Gill has been raising funds and awareness for cancer charities to date she has raised almost one and a half million pounds. Her unpaid volunteering endeavours have made a significant change in our local community. Unfortunately, Essex has lost Gill as she moved to Bromsgrove school to be with her husband Michael the new headmaster.
Luisa is the founder of Keep it 100. She is passionate about nurturing young people and helping them to find opportunities in life to build and develop their career prospects. Also, to keep them busy and away from involvement with harmful activities which so often spiral into gangs and knife crime.
Luisa set up the organisation to educate on attractive alternatives to criminal activities and to encourage positive and productive lifestyles through creativity. Luisa was also at the very heart of bringing the Knife Angel Sculpture to Essex in September 21. The visit and display of the sculpture provoked a call to action for many local people in boosting facilities for young people. Luisa is an inspiration and deserves recognition of her achievements.
amey was a regular supporter, fundraiser, and user, through her young son Dominic, of PARC Essex a ‘Play and Resource Centre’ for Autistic children in Great Notley. When PARC surprisingly collapsed and closed this year, resourceful Jamey and her husband Matt founded "POP Essex" to help families like themselves who have been abandoned without any proper respite in place. They were determined to get the new group working. In a short space of time, they have already registered 100 families to "POP Essex”. Jamey has set up this amazing club herself doing all the policies, registration, interviews for new staff, organising training, DBS, and setting up events, the list is endless. The ethos of "POP Essex" is not to turn away anyone with additional needs, child, or young adult. Her passion is to have a happy and safe environment for all children and young adults to have fun.
Her nominator Siobhan Riordan wrote, “It would be such a pleasure if Jamey was awarded for all her hard work, to show her just what an amazing lady she is.”
During lock down Margaret became one of the Danbury volunteers Befrienders. She regularly called on a lady within the village who had serious personal issues, she continues to reach out to the resident and often takes her shopping. Margaret also set up monthly coffee mornings to encourage residents who were feeling isolated since lockdown. This has really helped people. Mind you she has been running coffee mornings and jumble sales since the eighties. In addition to plant sales and open gardens, her fund raising never stops. Margaret has been fundraising for over 40 years … raising over £250k for Farleigh Hospice!
Her Nominator Mandy Hessing wrote that “Margaret is the catalyst of our community, she is selfless, kind, and thoughtful, people just want to help her. She is phenomenal, so much energy and drive.”
John has a full-time job as a chef/catering manager at a nursing home in Chiswick. Yet somehow in addition to fulfilling his job, John along with his wife Patrizia and daughter Ruby have found time over the last three years to provide home-made hot meals, to rough sleepers, the homeless and the vulnerable in Chelmsford. In January 2021 he raised funds to buy a catering van and has named his voluntary service STREETFOOD.
John has said many times, "What I want is all the rough sleepers and homeless to have a home, but until then I would like to support them by making sure they have a meal inside their belly."
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2021 was sponsored by Directa.
Alex, from Brentwood, is a former GB decathlete and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018 aged 39. Since his diagnosis he has founded a charity called Challenging MND which helps to provide memorable experiences for other people living with MND. In just over 2 years the charity has raised over £170,000; and donated £100,000 to the MND Association to help pay for their Quality-of-Life Covid-19 emergency Grants. He continues to inspire both disabled and able-bodied people with the amazing challenges he takes part in on behalf of the charity. He has twice broken the Guinness World Record for travelling the 125-mile length of the Thames on a Pedalo (recently doing it non-stop in 51 hours); cycled the Outer Hebrides; scaled the 3 peaks and cycled the 480 miles in between; walked a double marathon in 25 hours; abseiled off the Orbit building in Stratford; he also averages 19,000 steps every day, despite having difficulty walking, and falling over 3-5 times per day.
His nominator Andrew Cappaert, said, "Alex has turned his diagnosis into the biggest challenge of his life and an opportunity to help others with MND and I think he would be worthy recipient of this award."
Sam lost her eyesight a few years ago and is registered blind, however she has not let this hinder her passion to help others. She is a member of the Collaborate Essex Disability and Carers Forum and has shown consistently her passion to raise concerns on behalf of her network and support others living with sensory impairments. Sam has participated in all forum meetings and was actively involved in a Healthwatch Essex Sensory Awareness Campaign, even appearing on BBC Look East to tell her story and advise other people how they can help! Concerns which Sam raised alongside other forum members also led to Sensory Awareness Training being rolled out in GP’s across Essex. Sam has formed strong friendships within the forum and is always checking on her fellow forum members welfare and looking for ways to offer support. Sam’s spirit for positive change has been noted by her peers and external professionals involved with the forum and they are keen to highlight the role that she has played with the implementation of positive change for others within Essex. Healthwatch Essex nominated Sam Fox for an award due to her unwavering commitment to help others living with a disability.
Mark became a member of Harlow Stroke Support Group in June 2015, following a stroke. Mark was instrumental in setting up a support group at St. Margaret’s Hospital. The aim was to ensure that stroke survivors had access to support from people who had “lived the experience” of a stroke. His commitment to patients and staff has been remarkable. He became a trustee of Harlow and helped to take the organisation forward, planning its work, supporting staff, volunteers, stroke survivors and carers. He also found time to help with fund-raising. He was elected Chair of Trustees, a role in which he has been instrumental in raising the profile of the organisation and networking with colleagues from the NHS, Harlow Council and others. Marks’ energy, drive and commitment are astounding. In addition Mark has been gaining skills to enable him to offer counselling and support to young people. Mark is truly inspiring. His on-going commitment to helping and supporting others is incredible. Jean Miley, the manager of Harlow Stroke Support, said, “The trustees, staff, volunteers, stroke survivors and carers are so grateful for all that Mark has done over the years. All done as a volunteer, with no payment”.
Carol and her partner Chris run the ‘Sailability Project’ at Hanningfield reservoir. It’s a disabled sailing club for members who have a huge range of disabilities. This dedicated couple began banging on the doors of The Council and the Essex Water Authority in 2004, persistence finally paid off and sailing for the disabled was fully facilitated in 2008. It is well attended and active every Wednesday and Thursday from April till September. Their nominator Daniel Wilson is a regular user, he said, “Sailability at the Hanningfield Reservoir has truly changed people's lives and the perception of what can be done with a disability.”
Gavin gives his time to visit local schools, councils and youth clubs to make them aware of county lines and gangs. Particularly important at this time with the increase in deaths and knife crime locally. Gavin was brought up in Newham East London. He endured a tough and deprived home life and at the age of ten the ‘Street’ became his home, he was left to fend for himself. He was groomed into a gang, was attacked and stabbed, and eventually went to prison. It was there that he found religion, and decided he wanted to change. When he left prison he joined a church with their help he managed to stay on the right path and eventually met his lovely wife. Gavin decided to put his life experience to good use. He often attends youth clubs and persuades the young people away from crime. He also attends information evenings for parents and the community. Gavin is an inspiration as he has overcome adversity and has put his life experiences to good use deterring young people away from gangs and knife crime. Gavin is at present studying for a degree, something he thought he would never be able to do. Gavin has inspired so many people and continues to do so.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2020 was sponsored by Directa.
Five years ago Meg was involved in a road traffic collision whilst on duty as a Police Officer, resulting in her disablement both physically and mentally. She suffered significant nerve damage as a result, despite numerous medical procedures her mobility remains restricted. She now relies on aids to help maintain a level of independence. In addition, she was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that has transformed her daily functioning and interaction with the wider world. Meg was devastated when her frontline policing career was no longer sustainable, she struggled with finding her purpose and continuing with her perceived duty to help others. She has always stood firm in her belief that she was placed on this Earth to make the lives of others better. Committed to continuing her work within the community, she began volunteering within her local Girl guiding Organisation in Wickford. She started as assistant leader with 5th Wickford Brownies and occasionally with 1st Wickford Guides. In 2019, she was selected to represent Girl guiding UK at an International Guiding and Scouting Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Conference in Oslo, Norway. She now uses what she learned from these other countries to develop better inclusive practices locally within Girl guiding following her appointment as the Essex South East County Diversity and Inclusion Adviser within Girl guiding, in 2019. She currently supports several young women with disabilities she encourages them to view their difference as a strength, not a weakness. Always one to challenge herself Meg also returned to education and is in the final stages of her master’s degree in International Public Policy at Queen Mary University London.
Emdad is the founder of ‘book bike’ a local volunteer bike service delivering good quality books free of charge to charities, schools, residential homes and hospitals in Essex and East London. He is a crisis suicide prevention volunteer and has run weekly soup kitchens in Essex and East London for homeless people for over a decade. Emdad ran his 13th British 10k in a row in 2019 to support homeless citizens many of whom suffer with mental health problems. He has also completed the London marathon four times for charities. Emdad considers himself a working class lad and was very proud to be asked to carry the Queens Baton at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He was awarded an MBE in 2012.
Pat, or Mrs Prebble as she is better known, is one in a million. She has run the village preschool for 37 years (without taking a wage), and now has the children of her past students attending. Pat is part of every committee in the village and also a big part in Basildon Hospitals committee panel. Pat's free time away from preschool is taken up with helping others. She helps those less fortunate, ensuring children that are leaving for school have complete uniforms, sometimes buying them herself. She will supply lunch to those that are having money problems to ensure no child goes without food, clothes and occasionally giving money for the weekly shop and heating. Pat has raised thousands of pounds for many charities, she puts others before herself always, and really is a truly special person.
There is very little that we need to say about Jeanette except that she lives in Great Baddow, Chelmsford, and is an enthusiastic volunteer for the Samaritans. Presently she is concerned that due to the pandemic lockdown she may not be able to help the Samaritans and may be letting them down. She is very upset that she has to shield, despite feeling fit and healthy. Jeanette is 89, and was highly commended by the judges for assisting the Samaritans for almost 50 years.
Dr Abbas has dedicated more than 20 years of his working life to patient care ensuring that people end their lives in the best way possible. This year, Dr Abbas is celebrating his 20th anniversary of working at St Clare Hospice. During this time, he has risen from being a doctor on the Inpatient Unit to the Hospice's medical director, but at all times his passion for patient care has remained his core focus. He is also a consultant at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Dr Abbas also advises and trains local GPs, district nurses and other hospital staff - ensuring healthcare professionals across Essex can further their knowledge of palliative care. Qamar has also helped the Hospice to achieve accreditation as a University of Cambridge teaching hospice, and created links with Anglia Ruskin. Last year Qamar raised more than £4000 for the Hospice by trekking 95km in Cambodia.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2019 was sponsored by Directa.
Jason Established a special charity in 2007 called ‘Wipe Away Those Tears,’ The Charity has just three trustees, Jason, his wife and a specialist Doctor. What makes the charity so unique is that there are no administration costs, every penny raised goes to helping Essex children, who have life limiting or threatening conditions. The charity admits that it has no cures to offer, but aims to bring a sparkle into the lives of the children during very difficult times. Some of the children helped are pictured on the screen. ‘Wipe Away Those Tears’ have funded many projects, from house extensions and holidays, through to special bedding and wheelchairs. A large proportion of the money raised is generated from Summer Balls, which take place at Jason’s home. Several years ago the event raised £153,000 from three hundred guests, this year three hundred and forty guests raised a staggering £240,000. The generosity shown at these functions is perhaps best demonstrated with the story of a much-needed special wheelchair costing £20,000. Jason persuaded forty guests to chip in £500 each, the cost was very quickly covered. Amazingly since being founded just 12 years ago the charity has raised over two million pounds.
Following IVF treatment Ashley was pregnant with twin girls. On the 20th January 2019, Ashley went into labour at exactly 24 weeks. Sadly Esme was born sleeping weighing just 670g (less than one and a half pounds). Fifty minutes later Isla, weighing even less at 655g, followed her. Having experienced the heartbreak of losing a baby, Ashley found herself in a hospital with another child fighting for life with nothing at all at the bedside. Ashley vowed that what had happened would not be in vain, she decided to help other families in similar situations. She knew first hand that nobody wants to leave their baby to go the shops and get essentials, regardless of whether they’re staying in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or spending precious time in the bereavement suite. Ashley developed the idea of creating care packages for parents. These include essential items such as toiletries, battery packs and phone chargers. Also bonding squares so that babies and their parents can have connection even when separated by an incubator. Initially, her focus was on Basildon Hospital, more recently, Ashley has been providing care packages to neonatal transfer teams across Essex and the rest of the UK! Time forbids us reporting on all the care and attention that Ashley has been able to provide. As well as the effort needed to keep her promise to Isla to ‘Change the World’ Ashley takes care of her family and has returned to her job full time as a science teacher in Treetops Special School in Grays.
Kody was nominated by his Mum. She told us, "In 2018, Kody’s brother, my second son Kolby, died unexpectedly when only 16 days old. Every day Kody talks of his baby brother with pride, he mentions him to everyone he meets, and participates in all fundraising we have done, raising over £10,000. He understands what this is for and why we do it (he’s very mature for his age) Kody visits both Broomfield Hospital and Addenbrookes with me to deliver the special items we supply. He helps pack our memory boxes. He knows the Broomfield bereavement nurse very well and calls her ‘Box Lady’. The midwives and consultants know Kody for being Kolby's big brother. I am nominating him so as he gets older he can realise just how incredibly caring and kind he is. Kody is my hero, my sunshine."
Sophie’s Nominator said, "She started ‘Kolbysfootprints’, supplying free baby memory boxes to families who, like her, have experienced baby loss, these contain many items to capture memories such as hand and foot print kits. In memory of her late baby’s legacy she helps support Broomfield and Addenbrookes Hospital with neonatal units. She has raised over £10,000 in the first year. She has returned to full time work, in adult nursing, but continues to help others to make the most of living in this unpredictable world."
Paul is originally from the West Country, where, despite his gradually lessening sight, he managed to have many interests and full employment. When, in his thirties, he realised that his vision was not good enough to continue to work, he decided to retrain at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford. He moved to Essex twenty-one years ago, gradually working his way up from Service User to Volunteer for Support 4 Sight, where he felt he could at last give something back. Paul is completely blind himself and has a guide dog. He has now worked for Support 4 Sight for over 14 years, running their Saffron Walden resource centre. He is in control of their 137 volunteers. In addition he organises exhibitions and focus days throughout Essex. He works tirelessly for the benefit of all who are blind or partially sighted in our region.
Stuart didn’t have the best of starts in life, born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a brittle bone disease, as was his father and grandmother. He suffered a very difficult childhood with many broken bones. His schooling was particularly hard as he was often on the receiving end of bullying. It would have broken many others but Stuart persevered and in his second year studying, at Hereward's special college for the disabled, he was appointed Students Union President. Once qualified, he gained a great deal of experience in life coaching in Leeds, within a GP practice. In 2008 he met his wife Laura and moved to Essex. Nowadays Stuart, who is around 3 foot tall and a wheelchair user, works full time as a life coach and hypnotherapist, specialising in treating anxiety, in both adults and children. His youngest clients are around 6 years of age. Stuart has been a therapist for almost 20 years and has helped hundreds of children with anxiety, severe OCD or refusal to attend school. Stuart is dedicated to supporting and helping people, spending many hours (often evenings), seeing those who need help and responding to calls and messages. He is one of those special people who are always happy to help.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2018 was sponsored by Directa.
Charlotte Lomas’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and determination in the face of extraordinary challenges. After starting her career in equine management and training as a nurse, Charlotte’s life took a sudden turn when she experienced her first seizure, followed by months of hospitalizations, countless tests, and a diagnosis of Addison’s Disease—a rare and life-threatening condition.
Despite the setbacks, including memory loss, dyslexia, and chronic fatigue, Charlotte refused to let her condition define her. She returned to her nursing studies, even completing coursework from her hospital bed, and was recognised as a finalist for the Nursing Times Most Inspirational Student of the Year award. Along the way, Charlotte was also diagnosed with an even rarer condition, Polygladular Autoimmune Syndrome, which has caused a range of additional health challenges.
Through it all, Charlotte remains determined to live life to the fullest, embracing every challenge with humour and positivity. Her inspiring journey continues as she shares her story, encouraging others to persevere no matter the odds.
Edward Booker, from Witham, is an exceptional individual who selflessly supports his community despite his own physical challenges. Living with a broken back and neurological conditions, Edward manages an under-10 football team and assists in coaching an under-14 team. His under-10 team includes three children with special needs, two with autism and one with dyspraxia, and he works tirelessly to ensure they receive the best possible coaching and care. Despite using a walker or crutches to coach from the sidelines and often being in significant pain, Edward always puts the children first, inspiring both the kids and their families with his determination, positivity, and unwavering dedication.
Edward’s impact extends beyond just coaching football; he has become a beloved figure in the community. His ability to overcome personal challenges and maintain a smile, while ensuring the children enjoy their time and reach their potential, has made him a true hero. His commitment to the team and the community is truly admirable, and it’s clear that Edward is a vital role model to many.
In just three years, The Big Sing Soul Charity has made an incredible impact, raising £46,000 in just two years to bring music to those in need. The charity started in Witham and has now expanded nationwide, spreading the joy of music and unity wherever it goes.
The charity funds tutors to deliver free singing workshops in schools, playgroups, care homes, and other communities in need. For many children, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to experience music in schools where funding cuts have left gaps in arts education. Each workshop culminates in a heartwarming concert, where children proudly perform for their families and friends. Through tireless fundraising and a shared love of music, The Big Sing Soul Charity is changing lives, proving the power of singing to connect, uplift, and inspire.
Last year, Catherine Coale, mum to William, who has complex health needs and uses a wheelchair, founded the Saturday Friendship Club. Catherine wanted to tackle the growing isolation William and his friends faced, creating a space where they could play with their peers, and connect with non-disabled children for friendship and independence.
This vision led to Lucy’s Little Stars, a group of young volunteers, including William’s sister Lucy, aged 12, who help children with complex needs enjoy activities like music therapy and trampolining. The Little Stars, aged 10 to 15, care for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Despite having little prior experience, they’ve shown patience, empathy, and dedication, treating the children as individuals and fostering real friendships.
Catherine says the Little Stars have transformed the lives of the children and their families, creating a magical and inclusive community. These remarkable young people have shown that with love and understanding, true inclusion is possible.
Five years ago, Louise Mundy joined the Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service (HBBS) as a volunteer and has since transformed the organisation. Her fundraising efforts have raised an incredible £350,000, including securing grants from Children in Need and the Big Lottery Fund. Louise has also organised major events like the Brentwood Half Marathon and the annual ball, while creating the “Kitt Club,” a programme for bereaved children to connect and heal through activities funded entirely by her work with local businesses.
Now serving as Voluntary Business Manager, Louise manages critical aspects of HBBS, from premises to marketing, ensuring the organisation’s sustainability. Her dedication, innovation, and impact have made her a cornerstone of HBBS, proving that one volunteer can truly change an entire community.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2017 was sponsored by Directa.
Harry was born with Cerebral Palsy, which meant that he was unable to use any of the muscles in his lower body. His confinement to a wheelchair would be permanent unless he had an operation called SDR. Unfortunately the NHS does not fund the operation, the cost would be £75,000. The family began the marathon job of fundraising, after a very long slog, their events and bucket collections had brought in £30,000. By chance they then met a man who personally put up the missing £45,000. It took 6 months before the surgery could be organised. Of course it is one thing to have an operation and quite another to make it successful but Harry is a very special boy. Very soon, 3 weeks in fact after enduring the seven and a half hour operation, he was walking and even running! Harry continues his rehab and still faces a further two years of physiotherapy. He is so proud that he tells other children with similar disabilities to keep going, be strong and keep pushing. He is a very inspirational boy.
Glenn was a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He began his career founding AGP Steel in 2002 in a backyard. The business grew sufficiently for them to move to a purpose built factory and office facility in Romford. In December 2016 he bought Billericay Town Football Club. What is not necessary well known is that Glenn had become a born again Christian and often turned his attention to helping people he found with problems. The success he emanated within his football was to spill over on many occasions. One such occasion was when he met another man named Glen, Harry Parker’s father, who was bucket collecting with his wife Danielle and daughter Mia, at a local football match. That meeting was to change the lives of the whole Parker family. As you’ve heard Glenn Tamplin put up the total balance of the money that they needed and the operation was booked. A little more than 7 months later, to the delight of the fans, the Chairman of Billericay was able to walk Harry on the pitch and introduce him to them before a match. He has since erected a purpose built ‘user friendly’ stand for disabled fans, and named the stand the Harry Parker Stand.
Andrew is a volunteer of the Essex Community Foundation. The Foundation is a registered charity and the largest independent grant provider for grassroots charitable organisations in Essex. Andrew joined seventeen years ago to help as a volunteer grants assessor, a task for which he was well suited through his experience as a director of Barclays Bank. Andrew donates three whole days a week, which equates to 17 years, 2,346 days or in other words 20,000 hours!
The foundation have nominated Andrew themselves, the reason they say is ‘Not only for his significant commitment and dedication, or the quality of his volunteering, but because of the support he offers to the hundreds of voluntary and community groups that apply for funding’. So there you have it… a man who works for nothing and organises funds for those who desperately need them. We thought he thoroughly deserved to be highly commended.
Richard is a man who has had to adapt and fight back against an illness that is not fully understood by many. In doing so his crusade has become an inspiration to other sufferers, and an example of how activity can add lasting benefits. He had been living with Chronic Fatigue (ME) for some time before he was finally diagnosed in 2011. This hidden disability caused exhaustion, poor concentration, sleeping problems and short-term memory loss. Due to his medical condition he had to give up a successful corporate career, this hit him really hard.
With the help of medical professionals Richard worked to improve and manage his condition by following a programme that includes exercise and emphasises the need for activities that reduce stress, alongside social activity. Richard is a former Karate British Champion and by returning to Karate training he has managed to improve his health, and that of others. His wife Jane, who nominated him says, ”He is 100% committed to inspiring people in the community whether or not physically or mentally disabled, to get involved in sport and physical activity opportunities in Essex”.
Lee was been nominated by one of his firemen, James Chambers. In December 2014 whilst attending a fire at a workshop, an acetylene cylinder exploded within twelve feet of where James was standing. He lost his hearing completely. Lee was constantly in touch by visit and telephone to his wife Vikki. James has bravely told us that during those dark days he was so consumed with depression and anger that on more than one occasion he attempted to take his own life. Lee was ever present often taking the brunt of James anger. James was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Lee continued to visit outside of work time often bringing small gifts for their 6 year-old daughter. James says, “Thankfully I am better now. Lee supported and facilitated my return to work as a full time firefighter, and now my family is beginning to repair itself. Without the selfless actions of Lee I probably wouldn’t be here at all. Vikki and I will always remain in his debt. For over two years he provided support, containment and friendship. He is, and will always be, our Ultimate Hero.”
Dr. Rhiney is a peerless leading edge domestic abuse interventionist and highly respected children’s advocate. She turned her attention away from a long career as a PR specialist, in diversity marketing and race relations, to the area of domestic abuse, after surviving a murder attempt by her former partner. Changing the lives of vulnerable young women and children has become her way of life. She tirelessly volunteers hundreds of hours each year mentoring young single mothers, fostering children from abusive backgrounds and establishing her domestic abuse children’s charity, SWIM or Strength Within Me, foundation. In her own time Dr. Rhiney has fostered hundreds of young girls who still consider her as a mother. She has humbly earned the respect of her peers and a large community of young British children. Today she enjoys a private life wherein she continues to foster children from abusive homes and is determinedly plunging her energy into lowering the shocking domestic abuse statistics in the UK via her own charity.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2016 was sponsored by Directa.
Rosie Day had a serious heart condition requiring a transplant. She suffered a cardiac arrest on the 18th of December 2015 needing CPR from her mum Sara. She spent last Christmas in Great Ormond Street Hospital where she was eventually found to be in end stage heart failure and placed on a mechanical heart. She spent eight months in the Hospital waiting for a suitable transplant. Her Dad Barry, and Mum Sara, realised first hand the massive shortage of donors for children. They set about publicising the shortage, and Rosie’s plight resulted in a significant following on social media, she now has thousands of followers. As a direct result of their awareness campaign hundreds of people made contact and the organ donation register list began to grow. During those 8 months Rosie unfortunately suffered a number of strokes and two brain bleeds. Early July 2016 Brave Rosie received her gift of life, a new heart. True to form, Mum and Dad agreed that the working valves from her old heart could be used to help another child. Rosie was discharged on the 28th September and is now receiving extensive Neuro rehabilitation from Tadworth hospital. Rosie’s bravery was of great interest encouraging many large organisations to select Cardio-Myopathy UK as their chosen charity. Rosie appeared on DIY SOS the big build @ GOSH and has also had an Eddie Stobart lorry named after her. She is on track to have raised over £100k for various charities over the last 12 months.
One of the many nominators, Dana Thomas, wrote, “The whole family have managed Rosie’s illness with a dignity that the rest of us can only hope to aspire to. All the while their daughter was seriously ill, waiting for a heart to become available, not only did they encourage people to have that difficult discussion and register for organ donation, they also set up children’s first aid training, including C.P.R. There can’t be a more deserving family in the Pride of Essex Awards.”
Toby is the founder and chief executive officer of the Robin Cancer Trust. RCT was founded in 2012 following the death in January 2011 of Toby’s brother, Robin Freeman, aged just 24, after he was diagnosed with germ cell cancer. Whilst Rob was ill, Toby and his family realised there was a lack of information available to the public about germ cell cancer. They decided to become a hub of information of this rare form of cancer, so that other families wouldn’t have to suffer similarly. The RCT specifically aims to raise awareness of the little known ‘germ cell’ cancers, including both testicular and ovarian cancers, in 16-35 year olds. If detected early germ cell cancers are more than 90% curable. RCT educate young men and women about the signs and symptoms in order increase the chances of an early detection. The Robin Cancer Trust is the UK’s only dedicated germ cell cancer awareness charity. A group of 200 plus volunteers have already significantly raised awareness levels, but admit that there is a lot of work to be done. Meanwhile their combined efforts have raised over £50,000 for The Robin Cancer Trust, now a Registered charity.
Peter helps CHARMS and a disability sailing club at West Hanningfield. CHARMS is a charity dedicated to helping people in Essex who suffer from MS, ME, Cerebral Palsy and other neurological disorders. The Charity aims to help to provide sufferers with relief from their symptoms and to give assistance in making their lives more bearable. Peter is a great inspiration having represented the UK in sailing competitions. He suffers himself from progressive MS and has severe mobility problems, however he smiles and jokes non-stop, and is determined to be self-sufficient. Peter’s condition has deteriorated in recent months but even so he continues to be involved in fundraising for two charities. He is a real star.
Forty six years ago Peter was one of the founding members of the International Lions Club of Chelmsford. He has been an active member until recent times, serving the community of Chelmsford and wider afield. Shortly after retirement Peter was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, he did not let it stop him from continuing to help many others. In recent months he has been hospitalised with Pneumonia, and then a Stroke, which has left him requiring constant help. However, whilst now not being able to actively participate in fundraising efforts and charitable events, Peter remains an incredible inspiration to everyone who knows him, and also to those who hear about him. Through his determination, even at the age of 85, he proves that, no matter what troubles are put before you... you must strive to overcome them.
In little over 18 months, Dave has raised in excess of a staggering £40,000 for Macmillan’s Cancer Support. Not bad considering the original target was £500! With further fund raising events planned, that figure is set to rise further, breaking the £50,000 barrier. That alone is some achievement for any individual. But let’s give this some perspective. Dave has terminal cancer. Already dealing with the challenges of cerebral palsy, he was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2014, whereby doctors gave him roughly a year to live. Since that diagnosis Dave has been quite remarkable, doggedly working to raise money for the charity in a bid to help others who suffer from the disease.
With a passion for cricket, Dave has represented Boreham, Great Baddow and Little Baddow whilst having been a huge part of the Woodham Mortimer Cricket Club ‘family’ for the previous two years. Dave has recently had to retire from the sport he loves due to illness at the tender age of 30. He played his last game in August, organising a hugely successful cricket day at Little Baddow Cricket Club, which raised a massive £6,000 for the charity
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2015 was sponsored by Directa.
Lucy Cummins does not miss a trick, she is fanatical when it comes to finding ways to raise funds for charity. Even when she sits and relaxes, which is a rare occurrence, she can be found embroidering babies bibs and towels which she sells for charity, while she’s doing this she is keeping an eye on the twenty odd flavours of fudge she is cooking for a fudge and wine charity evening, or perhaps the pasta she’s preparing for the pasta party, or maybe its stirring the huge paella she making for the Prosecco and Paella night.
These strange happenings are regular features in the Cummins household, her son Fraser, daughter Louise and husband Andy are well used to it and have to chip in and get involved. Andy’s 50th birthday present last year was entry into a 50 kilometre Charity walk in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. It’s in the realm of power-walking marathons that Lucy has herself particularly excelled. Which is surprising for, in the early nineties, she suffered from ME, and severe leg muscle spasm’s, which prevented her walking for any longer than twenty minutes at a time.
Lucy received an email from a friend ten years ago which changed her life. It asked if she would join in a ‘Moonwalk’ in London. This determined lady agreed to try. In May of 2006 she managed to power walk the marathon course in under 6 hours, complete in a decorated bra, all for breast awareness. In New York, eight years later, she completed her 12th.
Up to date she has completed fifteen Moonwalk Marathons, part of the twenty-one marathons she has completed overall. Which include London to Brighton 62 miles (where she helped an exhausted fellow competitor’s by carrying his bag for the last few miles) and the Dutch Marshes March in Nijmegen of 100 miles in four days.Lucy has made thousands of pounds over the years for umpteen charities including Walk the Walk, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Alzheimer’s, Cancer Research, Leukaemia, Breast Cancer Awareness and many many more. To her, fundraising is just a walkover.
Daniel is from Colchester and has Downs syndrome and Autism and was born with a serious heart condition that required major surgery. He also needed extensive surgery on his hearing. Finding it difficult to walk he was, for a number of years, a wheelchair user. Yet all was to change when Daniel joined a fitness centre to improve his health. He began to lose excess weight, he built up his cardiovascular system and, in general, improved both his health and his socialisation. His interest in weight lifting developed into a passion. Now, in his early twenties, he takes part in competitive power-lifting and always to the best of his ability.
As well as other trophies, he has won two Olympic gold and three silver medals. This amazing transformation has not stopped, next month he has the honour of being the only special needs power lifter to represent Great Britain at the ‘Commonwealth Power-lifting and Bench Pressing Championships’ in Vancouver. The whole country is proud of Daniel’s achievement over adversity, b
James has spent a lot of time and effort raising money for Lymphoma and Leukaemia charities. Unusually this is not because he has personal experience of the tragedy that these diseases can inflict, but because of stories he had heard about other people. Events he has organised, and participated in, include the London to Paris cycle ride, The 3 peaks challenge (where Emma joined him) and countless miles on a rowing machine in the Wickes store that he managed.
Fund-raising has become a real passion, which he has passed on to his 7 yr old daughter Emma, who herself is no slouch when it comes to raising funds. She was responsible for making £1500 for Bloodwise, £500 for Farleigh Hospice, and £600 for the Helen Rollason Charity.Earlier this year, as she finished a thirty-mile cycle ride, she asked what she could do next!
Together through ‘Just-Giving’ they have raised, over the last few years, in excess of £55,000 for charity. They are a credit to themselves and our county.
John is from Westcliff-on-Sea. He spent considerable time in hospital during Autumn last year, undergoing treatment and recovery from a brain haemorrhage. Once discharged he immediately continued his role as Night Shelter Coordinator for Southend Churches. During the winter they provided two thousand two hundred and fifty meals, in addition eighteen hundred were also provided with a warm bed and breakfast.
His nominator Ruth Verrinder said, “John was amazing putting aside his own health crisis so that Southend Winter Night Shelters could go ahead.”
During the Fifty years Pat Ould has been the hub of the Brentwood branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund, it has raised a staggering £ 2million. Pat has a knack for recruiting hard working, cheerful members who stay with her for years. She also works hard for the community through The Woman’s Institute often ferrying elderly or sick people to Church or to meetings.
Her nominator says of Pat, “She is very efficient, energetic and friendly. She deserves recognition both for herself and her faithful fund raisers.”
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2014 was sponsored by Directa.
Matt was 22 when diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy. He lost most of his sight in one eye in February 2013 and by the end of March he had lost the sight in the other, he is now registered blind.
Matt was justifiably depressed for a while, after all he held a successful job in financial services, which necessitated commuting daily to London, he was a keen driver of both a car and a golf ball, and loved his football. However Matt is a special person and didn’t stay depressed for too long.
He taught himself to touch type and using his iPhone navigated his return to work, where he was to earn employee of the month. He joined a visually impaired football team and then joined the youth forum of the Royal London Society for the Blind. He has spoken in houses of Parliament on behalf of RLSB trying to educate and inform employees and employers.
In March he ran a half marathon for the charity fighting blindness and last year completed a 24 mile bike ride for charity with his two parents guiding him round on an ordinary bike. What’s more he did it again in August this time raising funds for the Rotary club of Thorpe Bay.
Brian was trustee and treasurer of CROFT (Chelmsford recycling of furniture) from 1994 to 2006. He is also a founder and developer of two key charities CHESS (Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme) where he served as trustee and treasurer from 1994 to 2006. Personally giving his own time, energy and support to meet the needs of the vulnerable homeless. Helping Hands Essex (HHE) was born in 2009 when Brian’s attention was drawn to the common link between homelessness and alcohol abuse. He set his mind to gathering together a focused group of individuals to specifically address the need. Looking to provide temporary supported accommodation and a full structured programme of therapeutic and practical support, in a safe and abstinent environment; a rehab by any other name, but one aimed at the most vulnerable and least able, realistically, to access such a service.
For over 20 years, as Executive Director of the Tymes Trust, ‘The Young ME Sufferers Trust.’ Jane has volunteered tirelessly for young ME sufferers, whilst suffering with the same illness herself; often resulting in relapses in her own health. M.E. is a serious disease and has the capacity to take away lives and the fact that it can strike in childhood is a terrible, under-recognised, and often mistreated problem. She was a head teacher, and, despite M.E.'s best attempts, the disease failed to take away her vocation. She still works to protect, nurture, and educate children right across the UK.
One of her seven nominators says, "Jane Colby cares and champions children with ME. Her response to her own M.E. is an example to everyone. She is a credit to her county and to her country."
This very special couple, both deserve recognition, as one would not be able to achieve without the others support. Starting with Ray; he is the Chief Executive of the Acorn Village Charity, for Adults with a Learning Disability, he has supported the charity and their staff for 31 years. He raises funds, he’s a pioneer of the Manningtree First Responders, he attends Emergency 999 calls, and he’s an active member of the Rotary club. Last September he happened, by chance, to be at a road traffic accident. Ray attended to a knocked down cyclist, making sure that he was not moved until the ambulance arrived. Meanwhile Heather redirected the traffic. Just as well Ray was there, it turned out that the cyclist had a broken neck! Heather is the backbone of the couple; Her whole life has been involved with Acorn Village since the beginning. She has been Company Secretary and Fundraiser since 1986 as well as being on various committees and supporting Ray in his numerous duties. In this time she has raised well over £6 million for the charity through events, legacies, grants and donations.
Justin is a support worker of Family Mosaic, a vital part of a team entitled ‘Integrated Offender Management’, which is a multi agency project, aiming to work with prolific offenders to reduce crime within the community.
Justin offers unwavering encouragement and support, to people who lead chaotic and self-destructive lives. He is never one to blow his own trumpet but all too often it’s discovered that in his own time he has helped people, for example landscaped an elderly person’s garden, or helped a grieving mum after the loss of her son.
At present he is organising a dinner for Christmas day for 50 people who otherwise would have to spend the day on their own. In just a few weeks he has secured a venue, decorations, carol singers, food and much more besides. He’s making by hand individual presents for each of the attendees and was even heard trying to get Reindeer for the occasion.
The Pride of Essex Ultimate Award 2013 was sponsored by Directa.
The J's Hospice, based in Great Baddow and serving all of Essex, was formed by Denise Whiffin in memory of her son, Jonathan, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 3. Jonathan was a fun-loving typical teenager who enjoyed socialising with people of all ages. He used children's hospices from the age of 14 to the time he died. During his teen years, Denise realised there was a desperate need for hospice and respite care once young adults outgrew children's hospices. Whatever their circumstances, young adults have the right to expect equality of access to the physical environment and all other aspects of society.
Denise began fundraising for a hospice building for The J's in 2006 and, with help from a specialist staff, started the J's at home service in 2010, helping young adults receive specialist care in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family and loved ones. The J's now provide care for over 80 families across Essex and make a huge difference to their patient’s lives.
Dean is a little boy with an extremely rare auto immune disorder called Mulibery Nanism, which has resulted in spending a lot of time in hospital both locally and in London. This condition is such that only 110 people worldwide have been diagnosed, so obtaining support has been extremely difficult. Dean therefore, has had very complicated medical needs, he has a Hickman line in situ and he has required regular blood tests which he finds very traumatic. I had the pleasure of meeting the family a few years ago and got to know them well due to the regular admissions to our hospital.
As if this situation wasn't enough to cope with, both of Dean's parents have their own health problems to deal with on a daily basis for example, Mum is currently in remission from cancer. Therefore, mum requires regular medical/follow-up appointments every quarter to ensure she remains well. The family have had to attend regular follow-up appointments not only for Dean but for themselves both locally and in London.
Crystal had 4 lovely girls until one tragic day, on 23rd August 2013, when her youngest daughter, aged 9 months, was tragically killed in a car accident. Crystal broke her back in the accident and stayed in Addenbrookes hospital for well over a week before she was well enough to come home. She had to have her back fixed with metal plates in an operation. Crystal lives each day for her 3 remaining children and doesn't moan. She gets great pleasure from her girls and still is devastated about Diamond. She is recovering at home, but still looks after her children despite a broken back, and even raised money for Addenbrookes hospital and for the Essex Air Ambulance.
About 3 years ago Dunmow Atlantic Swimming Club went through a difficult time as our swim coaches both left to travel. This left the club in trouble. The club was struggling. Then one of the mums that used to sit on the side was asked if she would help. Our club has never looked back. Amanda is an amazing person. She came in tried taking on several coaches but realised they were not right for our club. She could see the potential. She did not want to drive away children that would never be able to compete competitively. Amanda works almost full time as TA for children with special needs in a local secondary school, she has 2 chidren of her own and also fosters. Amanda over the last 2 years found a swim coach that also has helped to turn the club around. He asked for extra swim time which we had to fight for and got. He has asked for commitment which the children now give. He entered us into more galas. From coming last in every event we have come up in the rankings and now some of our children also swim before school.
Caroline set up 'Only Cowards Carry Weapons Awareness' after her son Jay Whiston - an A level student, and a caring and loving person - was stabbed to death at the age of just 17 last September in 2012, at a private party in Colchester which was gate crashed by a group of youths. Her life changed dramatically from being a mum and foster carer to being the mother of a murdered child. 4 weeks after Jay was killed, she stood up and took action towards those who carry knifes and any other dangerous weapons. Within a few months Caroline started by raising her Only Cowards Carry Weapons Awareness and interactive workshops in many schools. The response has been unbelievable and the support has been amazing she has hundreds of young helpers and volunteers that she calls her Cookie crew. She wants to educate young children around the country and make them realise the consequences of carrying a weapon and to help keep them safe by teaching interactive workshops on weapons Awareness. Also the effect it can have not only the family and friends but the whole community.
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