Twenty-four individuals and groups were honoured last night (Monday, November 26) at Richmond’s inaugural Community Heroes’ Awards.

Nominees gathered at York House to celebrate achievements in everything from sporting activities and community events to care work.

It’s the first time the community awards were offered in specific categories, a sign of the breadth of voluntary work being done in communities across the borough.

Cllr Michael Wilson, Cabinet Member for Equality, Communities and the Voluntary Sector said: “I was truly inspired by the work being done by these amazing residents and was delighted we could bring them together to show our gratitude for the contribution they have made to communities across this borough.

“The evening was a wonderful celebration of community spirit – congratulations to everyone who was nominated and thank you to those who made submissions throughout the process.”

Sian Thomas from the Christmas Day Dinner Richmond, Community Hero of the Year, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Community Project of the Year and the overall Community Hero of the Year. This recognition will help raise awareness about the Christmas Day Dinner in Richmond as we are reliant on the community’s support to help organise these events for young care leavers.”

Keith Ball,winner, Lifetime Achievement, said “I felt rather taken a back and surprised and I’m grateful for receiving this award.”

William Cole, winner of the Young Person Achievement said: “I did not expect the magnitude of an award let alone a trophy. I am very thankful for the support I’ve had from the last two years of being the Chair of Children in Council, it has been a brilliant experience and a great achievement.”

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION

Highly commended winner:

Tony Sumner, from Golden Grill. Tony is a long-term supporter of local schools. He donates money to schools to buy sports equipment and is committed to supporting the local secondary schools in his community.

Winner:

Acara Property Management. Paul and Elliot carry out repairs and maintenance work at SPEAR Housing Association offices, client properties and houses of multiple occupancy every month.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Highly commended winners:

Joseph Foti. Joseph offers assistance to his more vulnerable neighbours in St Mary’s Grove, where he regularly runs errands, grocery shops and cooks meals for residents.

Phyllis Bailey. Phyllis is an integral part of the team at Homelink. She brightens many clients’ weeks when they visit the respite centre.

Winner:

Anna Texier. Anna runs local music charity Powerjam, which brings together youth of varying socioeconomic backgrounds and provides the opportunity for them to come together through music.

OUTSTANDING SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT

Highly commended winner:

Kew Park Rangers Football Club. Established in 1999, the club now coaches over 700 players in 33 teams and is the largest community football club in Surrey.

Winner:

Ann Halliday and Cambridge Parks Bowls Club. The Club reached the semi-final of the Championships. Their nomination lauded them for showing that women over 50 can be National Champions in a very competitive and active sport.

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR

Highly commended winner:

Jane Stephens Nield and Susan Brand at the Ham and Petersham Guides and Rangers for their work on the 1st Ham and Petersham Guides when it was at risk of closing in 2016. They also launched a brand new Rangers group for girls aged 14-18 and regularly raise awareness for Girlguides in the community.

Winner:

The Mulberry Centre. This award is for the Community Outreach Volunteers and their passion for communicating and raising awareness of the services and support available at the Centre.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Highly commended winner:

Keith Ball. Keith has volunteered for the Royal British Legion for over 40 years and has raised many thousands of pounds for the charity.

Winner:

Anne Reeves. Anne has held various committee and leadership roles with the Girl Guides for 60 years. She is a role model for both the girls and the volunteers.

YOUNG PERSON ACHIEVEMENT

Highly commended winner:

Ham Youth Centre. The group’s powerful film about prejudice and hate crime, raised awareness amongst peers of the dangers of stereotyping, bigotry and biases sources of information.

Winners:

Natasha Mikaelson. As a young care leaver, Natasha attends and speaks at national care leaver events and has trained up to 20 social care staff.

William Cole. William is Chair of the Children in Care Council and a passionate campaigner for young people's rights. He is a fantastic role model for young care leavers.

DIGNITY IN CARE – PAID CARER

  • Care Home Carer of the Year is Carla Dantas
  • Supported Living and Home Support Carer of the Year is Irene de Jesus
  • Personal Assistant of the Year is Katerina Burke
  • Learning Disabilities Carer of the Year is Shane Browne

DIGNITY IN CARE UNPAID

Highly commended winner:

Patsy Paul. Patsy cares for her daughter and grandchildren after her daughter became paralysed and wheelchair-bound after having a stroke in 2011.

Winner:

Orry Bua. Orry has cared for his mother Lulu and grandfather since he was a child. He was nominated by his mother who is very proud of everything he does.

COMMUNITY PROJECT

Highly commended winner:

Ham Parade Market, for organising the community-run event that brings together Ham residents and local businesses. The first market was held on October 2017 and raised over £5000 for charity.

Mike Glazebrook and the Kew Fete Committee, for their work on the Kew Midsummer Fete which has raised more than £100k for local community and voluntary groups. The fete will celebrate its 10th year in 2019.

Winner:

Christmas Day Dinner Richmond, for their contribution to the community by organising a Christmas dinner for 50 young adults aged 18-25 who have recently left the care system. This project provides a refuge for young care leavers, giving them a wonderful day and creating new positive memories.

COMMUNITY HERO OF THE YEAR

The Christmas Day Dinner and Sian Thomas