Heroes were celebrated in Gedling borough as the winners of this year’s Pride of Gedling Awards were presented with their prizes.
The annual awards, held on Wednesday night (November 10), recognise those who go above and beyond to support communities in the borough in different ways.
This year, entries flooded in from people keen to highlight the unsung heroes – but only with normally only one winner in each category – it had been a difficult time for judges.
This year’s Business in the Community Award was given to two worthy winners. Netherfield pub It’s Inn The Bank and Ravenshead Farm Shop were both handed the prize for their incredible work during the pandemic, with both businesses feeding local people in the area during lockdowns. The Bank also put on entertainment via their Facebook page and helped prepare meals at the council’s Humanitarian Centre.
The Community Heroes Award went to Cullen Morathota and Bernice Thomas. The duo were recognised for coming to the aid of a man who had been involved in a motorcycle accident who they found by the side of the road. They administered first aid until emergency services could get him to hospital.
All those nominated for this year’s Environmental Hero Award were handed a prize. Judges felt it would be too difficult not to recognise The Wilkins Group, Amy and Ella Meek, Martin Dermody and Frank Knowles for all their hard work introducing green initiatives to help save the planet.
The Outstanding Community Project Award went to Emmanuel Church in Bestwood Village. They were recognised for cooking low-cost homemade meals for the whole community during lockdown.
Arnold Swimming Club was crowned this year’s Inspirational Healthy Lifestyles Award winner. They were recognised for being at the heart of the community for 95 years. During lockdown they helped lift the spirits of their members by setting challenges for them – even without the water.
The winner of The Dylan Barker (Young Person of the Year) Award, sponsored by Gedling Eye, was Isobel Somerton. Isobel was handed the prize by judges after bravely facing two life threatning conditions and hospital admissions while studying for her GCSEs. She also held a bone marrow register event in the community to help raise awareness.
The Overall Pride of Gedling Award went to Chris Channon MBE. Chris is a former Paralympian who, with his Pegasus system, made the 999 emergency call system more accessible for disabled and vulnerable people.
Gold medal winner Richard Whitehead scooped the lifetime achievement award after achieving incredible success in sport and for everything he has done to raise the profile of people with disabilities and to inspire millions of people across the world.
Bloody well deserved everyone. Some great people won an award and makes me so proud to be part of Gedling.
Congratulations to Chris Channon for making a difference.