Winners announced for Herts Advertiser Community Awards 2017

We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Herts Advertiser Community Awards 2017.

These awards celebrate individuals and groups who have made a difference to others and the community.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Maltings Arts Theatre last Thursday, and presented by Sky Sports Formula 1 commentator David Croft.

Herts Advertiser editor Nina Morgan, who introduced the awards, said afterwards: “It was an honour to present awards to such inspirational members of our community.

“So many people go above and beyond to make a difference to others and it was lovely to give them some recognition for this.

“Following the success of this year’s awards, we look forward to holding them again next year.”

For more photos from the evening, visit the awards website at http://communityawards.hertsad.co.uk/

Role Model of the Year

Phoebe Shergold-Willis - A dynamic young person with drive and motivation that should be recognised as an inspiration to her peers. Dedicating her time to volunteering weekly at Age Concern, setting up her own franchise business with Forever Young, and investing her profits into setting up the St Albans School of Acting (SASA), Phoebe has consistently exceeded expectations in her extra curricular pursuits.

Parent in a Million

Chris Skrabski - Chris’s life was turned upside down when his daughter, Kitty, was diagnosed with a very serious kidney illness. When it turned out she needed a transplant, both her mum and dad were tested, and thankfully Chris was a match. In an amazing display of love and bravery, Chris donated his kidney to Kitty, and the family is recovering together.

Great and Green

JPA Furniture - This company piloted end-of-life furniture recycling for its clients two years ago, which led to DODO - a redundant furniture programme matching up unwanted furniture items with local homes where they are badly needed (all at zero cost to the end user). As a result, JPA has a carbon negative footprint and is zero landfill.

Young Achiever

Eleanor Bull - At just six years old, Eleanor was Highly Commended by the MS Society at their Awards ceremony in May 2017 for raising nearly £500 in support of the condition. She raised the money in aid of her uncle Paul, who lives with multiple sclerosis, by running a highly successful hot chocolate and cake morning in her parents’ kitchen.

Valiant Volunteer

Shirley Galsworthy - Shirley has proudly served elderly people in St Albans since joining the Armoral Hill Day Centre about eight years ago as a voluntary co-ordinator. She frequently organises activities and arranges guest speakers and outings, and has reached out to local schools to engage the wider community.

Carer of the Year

Lillian Ahmed - A valiant young member of the community who has sacrificed her time to care for her young brother with autism, all while studying for her GCSEs. Lillian is a vital help for her brother when her mother and father are away or working, and often selflessly gives up social activities to care for him.

Lifetime Achievement

Mary Newman - Mary is now retiring after a career of 21 years at St Albans Girls School. She has been a maths teacher, a head of year, head of maths and recently a deputy head, remaining kind and resilient despite some challenging circumstances.

Posthumous Award

Norman Davies - This St Albans veteran, who recently passed away from heart failure, is nominated for his service in Korea and Malaya, and his “inspirational” educational career spanning several decades. He was well-known in St Albans for his ready smile, quick wit and strong commitment to the Royal British Legion.

Service to the Community

Callum Drysdale - Callum gives his all to helping people, both as a fire fighter and an ordinary citizen. Guiding a team of young cadets with humour and enthusiasm, he has a real passion for serving the public. His sister said she’s “proud” to call him her brother, and notes his “constant positivity and professionalism”.

Good Neighbour

Paul Hargreaves - Paul has frequently assisted his neighbours and the general public over the past ten years, giving advice for free and campaigning on their behalf.

Nurse / Care Worker of the Year

Laura Catterall - Team manager for the adult community nursing and therapy teams in St Albans and Harpenden, which support housebound patients who would otherwise be unable to access essential health services.

Charity Champions

STAGS Rotary Interact Group - The St Albans Rotary Interact Group is made up of 15 students at STAGS, with the support of Rotarians Lavina Hale and Ken Scott, and teacher Mrs Hurit Rock. They meet as a club once per week and use this time to plan a variety of activities to raise funds for local, national and international projects. So far this school year they have raised almost £3,000 for their charities.

Maltings Community Hero

Team Ellie - A group of friends who took part in Pretty Muddy Watford 5K to raise money for Cancer Research UK after their friend Ellie Brewer was diagnosed with leukaemia aged just 13. Olivia Stevenson, Jenna Hutton, Alice Rose, Tai Stojanovic, Kayra Karakus, Amy Narramore, Jade Albert and Abby Simpkin, who are all in Year 8 at Marlborough Science Academy, collected more than £2,000 after completing the obstacle course. Sadly, Ellie later passed away.