Over 200 people attended the Croydon Guardian’s Croydon Champions gala evening to reward the selfless heroes who work hard to make the borough a better place to live in.
The evening was hosted by soul sensation Audley Anderson who spoke about his life after reality TV show Fame Academy and his work as a mentor to young people in London.
He described all the nominees as true champions.
The Mayor of Croydon, Margaret Mead also gave a speech praising the award winners and thanking them for their contribution to the borough.
The audience of nominees, their families and friends arrived at the Hilton Hotel to the classical sounds of the Royal Russell School Orchestra.
Crooner Alex Banks entertained the audience with Rat Pack classics while singer songwriter Nikki Aston treated our champions to a gorgeous rendition of Mariah Carey’s Hero.
The Zemitones had everyone clapping along to their acoustic set and 12-year-old Barbara Bielecka, a former champion’s finalist stunned the audience with a beautiful song about the war in Afghanistan called My Wish.
She was inspired to write it after last year’s awards ceremony where she met soldier Simon Wiggins who lost his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan.
Every champion was presented with a trophy and each finalist got a certificate.
Assistant Editor Matthew Knowles said: “Once again we have managed to fill our news pages with many great stories of personal sacrifice and incredible achievements.
“Much has been said about the negative portrayal of young people in this country in our newspapers and television.
“Many of our winners this year come from Croydon’s youth population and judging by some of this year’s winners I can assure you our future is in good hands.
“Our ceremony was a great success. It was an honour to meet a brilliant bunch of everyday heroes.”
Child of Courage Winner:
Imogin Appiah
Runner up:
India Smith
Act of Bravery Winner:
Keith Gray
Runner up:
Abdul Khan
Charity Volunteer Winner:
Brian Jones
Runner up:
Rose Gedney
Sporting Champion Winner:
Robbie Hughes
Runner up:
Edna Harrison
Parent of the Year Winner:
Geoff Heathman
Runner up:
Teresa Keywood
Teacher of the Year Winner:
Shireen Gardee
Runner up:
Valerie Moy
Arts Champion Winner:
David Ryland
Runner up:
Harvey Augusto
Business Champion Winner:
Justyn Hollett
Runner up:
Barry Slayford
Community Volunteer Winner:
Richard Serunjogi
Runner up:
Zahida Akhtar
Team of the Year Winner:
Croydon Voluntary Action Youth Advisory Team
Runner Up:
Children’s Hospital at Home
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