Just like that, another fantastic My Local Hero awards ceremony has come to a close.
Founded in 2009 and now in its seventh edition, the My Local Hero event has raised more than £150,000 for local charities, showcased the incredible stories of our community, and shown how local print news can truly be the voice of the people.
After months of meticulous planning, preparation, and organisation, we reflect on an incredibly successful night at The Grove hotel, which was full of celebration, community spirit, and fundraising.
The ever-anticipated My Local Hero 2024 award was sponsored by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and presented by Rachel Parsons, director of publicity and communications.
It was local charity Wayne’s Fund that accepted the honour. Set up in 2005, the charity has helped to fundraise for and donate 100 defibrillators to the community in memory of their friend, son and brother, Wayne Pope.
On the night, the award was collected by Wayne’s dad John, brother Glynn, and friends and family, as well as two individuals whose lives were saved thanks to Wayne’s Fund defibrillators.
Speaking about their win, the Pope family said: “We are super proud that our Wayne’s Fund friends and family have been recognised for their amazing fundraising and saving lives. Lawson Hateley and Anthony Taylor joined us. It was a special moment to see these two survivors together. It couldn’t happen without you!”
The awards barely left a dry eye across the room and showcased the incredible stories our community has to offer.
The Caring in the Community award, presented by Paul Morris OBE, kicked off the evening. Lynne Misner, CEO and founder of Small Acts of Kindness, collected the award for supporting more than 105,000 elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Next up was the Young Sporting Achiever award, presented by Kelly Spencer. It was under-17 British National Fencing Champion Finn Keen who scooped the award in one of the toughest categories of the night.
Celebrating the sporting heroes in the community, the Sporting Achiever award was presented to Judith Spencer by Glenn Roux. Judith is a blind sailor who has taken the competition world by storm, proving that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving your dreams.
The Community Champion award was given to worthy winner Arun Koshal by Glenn Smith. Arun’s story inspired the audience, who heard of his efforts in raising £50,000 for Merchant Taylors’ Prep School and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, as well as his support of the Moor Park 10k.
The next award barely left a dry eye in the room. The late Leah Patel, who raised funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital while undergoing cancer treatment, was named the winner of The Emily Mott Child of Courage award by Natasha Kirby. Sadly, Leah passed away aged 12. Her brother Kiyan accepted the award on his sister’s behalf.
This year’s event saw the inaugural Local Action Global Impact award presented by Leo Scarborough. Lauren Fox accepted the award for her work in supporting residents, community groups, and organisations, particularly through the Sunflower Social Club, which included sending thousands of pounds of aid to Ukraine.
Elizabeth Chapman presented the Young Achiever award to the awe-inspiring Bodhana Sivandan. Despite only being nine years old, Bodhana is a world-renowned chess prodigy and the youngest sportsperson to be chosen to represent England in an international competition.
One of the most inspiring awards of the night was the Above & Beyond award, presented by Liz Tempest. Firefighter Liam Coffill collected the award for continuing to support The Fire Fighters Charity, whilst overcoming a life-changing spinal cord injury that left him paralysed.
Next was the Outstanding Bravery Award, presented by Scott Patmore. Harpal Singh collected the award after suffering a brutal attack in the shop where he works, which led to the community raising £7,000 for their beloved local shopkeeper.
The Fundraiser of the Year award was presented by Adam Ginder DL and was collected by inspiring duo Robbie Laidlaw and Chris Mitchell, who collectively raised £300,000 by completing the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic.
Up next was the Special Recognition award, which was presented to Kenny Walker by Daren Pond. Kenny runs Watford ABC and has inspired boxers both young and old, as well as helping those overcoming addiction.
The Lifetime Achiever award went to a well-known pillar of the Watford community, Gill Crowson. Presented by Leo Scarborough, Gill received the award for making a huge difference to the community through her years of dedicated fundraising.
MyLocalNews founder Nik Allen said: “Each time we do the MyLocalHero event, it seems to get bigger and better. Now in our seventh year, the awards night has become a firm highlight in the local calendar.
“It’s events like these that remind us how incredible our community is and how important it is to take the time to stop, reflect, and be inspired by the fantastic people that keep our area thriving.”
Photo: Simon Jacobs Photography
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