The Star of Essex Award is a lifetime community achievement award dedicated to individuals or corporations who have selflessly committed decades of their time to a specific cause or charity within Essex, without payment. Community Individual and Community Corporate awards are given.
The 2026 Star of Essex Award is sponsored by the Chelmsford Star, part of OurCoop. Please click here to visit their website.
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2025 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Lee Clark is an extraordinary fundraiser and volunteer whose efforts have deeply impacted his community. He has raised over £480,000 for more than 70 charities through events like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running marathons, and spending a week in the Arctic Circle. Locally, he hosts quizzes, race, and bingo nights to ensure everyone can participate. His goal is to reach £1 million raised by his 60th birthday: a target well within reach.
Lee, from Shoeburyness, also leads several community initiatives. He runs a monthly litter-picking group in Southend, attracting 50–100 volunteers, and organises charity football matches. He co-founded a walking group that meets twice a month to promote health and combat loneliness.
Despite working full-time, Lee devotes his free time to planning events, volunteering, and supporting others. He even sacrifices holidays to continue his mission. During the festive season, he becomes The Grinch or as a Santa Claus, raising funds while spreading joy.
Lee’s energy, kindness, and creativity inspire others to get involved. His impact goes beyond fundraising: he brings people together, fosters connection, and drives positive change. He is a true force for good in his community.
Shane, from Loughton, has raised over £200,000 to help people in crisis across the UK, many of whom he had never met. In 2025, Shane travelled to Scotland to deliver over £2,500 to a terminally ill mother so she could marry her partner. He ran the London Marathon for Samaritans, raising over £2,500, and raised £3,000 for trauma counselling and a holiday for a 14-year-old girl in Epping who had been sexually assaulted.
For his 42nd birthday, he crossed Europe’s longest high-wire bridge, raising £1,000 for a young man with brain cancer. Days later, he raised £340 for a boy injured in a random attack. After breaking his ankle while helping someone else, he became the first person to climb Snowdon on crutches. He’s raised £16,000 for two orphaned girls, paid for funerals of murder victims, and supported the family of Aysha Frade, killed in the Westminster terror attack.
Val has dedicated over 60 years to lifesaving and water safety, earning her first Bronze Medallion at age 15 in 1957. She has since achieved all top performance awards and qualifications a lifesaver can get.
As a professional teacher, Val, from Basildon, became a National Lifeguard Trainer Assessor for Pool and Beach, mentoring individuals from Rookie level to Trainer Assessor.
Known as Mrs Lifesaver, she has inspired swimmers to become lifesavers and mentors, delivering courses across all levels. Within the Royal Life Saving Society Essex Branch, Val served as Secretary for 20 years and helped organise the annual open water training course.
The RLSS has recognised her nationally for her outstanding contributions to life saving. She helped develop the Assistant Teachers and Mentors courses and revised key awards including the Bronze Medallion.
Pesh from Chigwell has dedicated over 20 years to serving his community, working with schools, churches, and local agencies to support vulnerable individuals. In 2020, he founded 3Food4U, a charity providing free groceries, clothing, and essentials—without referrals or assessments—preserving dignity for all. Now one of Essex’s largest emergency food providers, it supports over 2,000 families weekly and operates year-round, including Christmas.
Pesh’s vision goes beyond food aid. 3Food4U offers free counselling, NHS health checks, job clubs, numeracy support, and Memory Cafés for those affected by dementia and mental health challenges, promoting holistic wellbeing.
He also chairs the Youth Employment Strategy, which has reached over 3,000 students aged 13–16 through life skills conferences, mentoring, and career guidance. His inclusive leadership has inspired a diverse team of over 400 volunteers, aged 13 to 85.
Beyond frontline work, Pesh is also a trustee for several local charities.
Joe Lane has been a dedicated Trustee of Brighter Opportunities for Special People for over ten years, serving as Chairman and now Vice Chairman. He joined during a pivotal time in the charity’s development and has played a key role in shaping its future. Joe, from Billericay, is deeply involved in governance, Health & Safety, and fundraising, personally taking on sponsored challenges and generously giving his time and expertise.
Beyond BOSP, Joe, is active in the wider Essex community. He works at a local primary school and volunteers with the Billericay Round Table and Rotary Club, supporting events such as the Christmas Market, Santa Sleigh, Summerfest, and the Soap Box Derby. His efforts bring joy and essential resources to the community.Joe’s charitable work also extends nationally, raising significant funds for organisations like Help for Heroes, The AHOY Centre, and Cancer Research. In recognition of his exceptional service, he has been honoured as a Freeman of the City of London.
Joe Lane exemplifies community spirit and tireless volunteerism, making him a truly deserving candidate for recognition.
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2023 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Paul has been volunteering for Burnham Ramblers Football Club for over 25years. He is now retired but still spends several hours a day cutting and lining 7 football pitches, gardening around the clubhouse and undertaking tasks such as cleaning changing rooms, emptying bins and collecting up lost balls. His Nominator Katherine Wilson said, “Burnham Ramblers football club has over 200 players from U7 to Veterans and none of these individuals would be able to play without the hard work and dedication of Paul.
For over 40 years, the club has been teaching the community, how to learn to kayak. Everyone involved, has given their time and love, tirelessly, to kayaking and those that want to learn. Not one person is paid for their time; they give everything, just for the love of the sport. They reach out to the young, and to the not so young. Their Chair Amanda Gilmore says, “We are just one family, caring both for the people we help, and for the environment that we paddle in.”
Aiden was our youngest ever recipient of the Child of Courage which he received in 2015 and was nominated again this year. He was starved of oxygen at birth. As a result, he suffered neurological damage and suffers from cerebral palsy. His parents Keith and Fleur were told by doctors of many things they believed Aiden would be unable to do, I’m delighted to say he has proved them wrong. In his Nine short years he has undergone intensive physiotherapy which has enabled him to walk with assistance and become mobile. Recently he has undergone spinal surgery to help with his mobility. Aiden is a smart, intelligent and loving little boy who continues to defy the odds daily and does it all with a smile on his face.
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2022 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
30 years ago following a deeply personal loss and a connection with another family impacted by childhood cancer. Despite working full-time and raising his children, Vince dedicated himself to supporting families dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of childhood cancer.
Through his leadership, the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund has raised over £18 million, providing free respite breaks, crisis funding, and emotional and practical support to affected families. Vince remains deeply involved, organising events, fundraising, and personally connecting with the children and families the charity supports. His nominator, Lyndsey Bidwell, says, “Vince is one in a million; the world needs more individuals like him.”
opportunities in Essex. Together with friends Roy Hart and Ron Hollington, he proposed a project to Essex and Suffolk Water to establish a disabled sailing centre at Hanningfield Reservoir. Through relentless effort and advocacy, they turned this vision into a reality, creating a fully accessible sailing hub.
The centre now offers opportunities for people with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy sailing, with features like ramps, electric hoists, and a custom-built clubhouse. Serving around 50 users with the help of dedicated volunteers, the centre has become a place of empowerment and joy, supported entirely through fundraising. Chris’s work has brought a unique and inclusive resource to the Essex community.
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2021 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
For more than twenty years Piyush has run the Newsagent and Post Office in Bush Fair, Harlow. It has become a focal point for the community, who have come to rely on this kind and generous man for everything from advice to newspaper deliveries seven days a week.
As a young married couple in the mid eighties Piyush and his wife Vishakha came to the UK to build their lives. They had nothing in their pockets but ambition and hard work. They learnt to speak English, adjusted to the culture, endured racism and raised two very decent and respectable daughters (both now doctors) and through hard work established a business that is a cornerstone of the community.
Les is well known and loved by his community, having worked for Essex Fire and Rescue for 50 years. He is currently a community builder.
During the pandemic Les provided the community of North East Essex with hot meals. He even ensured families did not go hungry on Christmas day and provided presents for families to give to their children. He regularly looks after the homeless with food, blankets and toiletries, working closely with the North Essex Support Team (NEST) project.
His nominator Daniel Potts says, “Les always goes above and beyond when dealing on behalf of the community, whether it’s housing, social care, health, fire and crime prevention, or any other support he can provide to help families and young people. In short he would do anything for anyone.”
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2020 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Shalford Village Hall and the large playing fields were donated by Major Guy Gilbey-Gold to Shalford residents in 1925. It is one of the gems of this small beautiful village near Braintree. The 6 acres of land have been immaculately attended by just one man making it available and desirable for many sports and village activities to take place. This is no simple feat, as the fields can take up to 3 hours per cut, sometimes needing 2 cuts per week. Lawrence has taken on this responsibility for 60 years - and all for no charge!
His generosity has saved the village tens of thousands of pounds over the years. Even when his wife sadly became very ill needing a huge amount of care, Lawrence still found the time, and even with her sad passing 3 years ago he still came every week. Andrew Hull, Vice Chairman of Shalford wrote, “In this, his 86th year, Lawrence has sadly had to give up, due to a cataract operation and, under his own admission, just not having the strength to carry on. The Covid-19 situation threw a lot of plans out of the window regarding the village recognising Lawrence for all that he has done. A Pride of Essex Award would mean a huge amount to him and also the residents of the village.”
For 28 years they have provided end of life care and respite to adults with incurable or complex conditions. The specialist team of Palliative Care Nurses and Assistants provide the care and compassion someone at the end of their life deserves, as well as supporting their family. In addition, they support discharges from hospital to home and offer planned respite 24 hours a day. Even during the pandemic, the Hospice and Home Team continue to work at full capacity providing care for even more patients as they try to avoid hospital admissions for their vulnerable patients. Since April this year, referrals have increased by 30%, meaning the charity have had to carry out additional home visits.
The Hospice at Home Healthcare Assistants will travel on average 30 miles in one day to deliver care to patients across Essex, often changing their shifts, their normal locations and having to get to grips with PPE. All of the care provided by Havens Hospices is completely free, there is no cost to the patient or their family.
Patient Alan from Southend said, “A plan was put in place so I could go back home and now the Fair Havens Hospice at Home Team visit me every day to help with personal care, making sure that I’m comfortable in bed because I cant move too well. Nothing is too much trouble. Even though they have to wear masks and aprons, they look after me with a smile on their faces.”
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2019 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Raymond has been a shining light in the Burnham community for nearly two decades, offering selfless support to everyone around him. As a volunteer with the RNLI for almost 20 years, Raymond has earned the nickname "NO PROBS RAY" for his unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He has also run a mother and toddler group for 8 years, served as a church elder, and assisted with odd jobs and hospital appointments for elderly members of the congregation. Additionally, Raymond has taught over 80 people in Burnham to drive, free of charge, showing his immense generosity.
Beyond his volunteer work, Raymond is a beloved figure in Burnham, known for his participation in local events, including his role as Father Christmas at schools and nurseries. His kind, supportive, and giving nature is consistently praised by those he has helped, from teaching young people to drive to making the community a better place with his cheerful presence. Whether it's offering a helping hand or simply brightening someone's day, Raymond’s positive influence on Burnham is immeasurable, making him a cherished member of the community.
Linda has dedicated herself as chair of The Lady Taverners South Essex Region for the last thirteen years. It’s a wholly voluntary role, which requires unlimited energy. The Lady Taverners is the fundraising arm of the Lords Taverners charitable organisation. When initially taking on the role Linda’s dream was to have one of the iconic Lords Taverners’ Minibuses within every Special School in Essex. Thirteen years later, supported by her dedicated committee, Linda has not only raised the funding for, and provided fifteen minibuses to deserving schools, but has just been awarded two additional vehicles. In addition, Linda has also raised funding for five Sensory Rooms, two Sensory Gardens and five Sports Wheelchairs for physically disabled students. In Linda’s ‘spare time’ she supports a school for visually impaired children and has raised over £10,000 to enable the purchase of 2 Braille Note-Pads for the students.
In Linda’s words, "With the help of my Committee I hope we have made some positive changes to the lives of the Essex children we have supported."
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2018 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2017 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Dennis is a retired police officer whose brave exploits, even when off duty, made news on many occasions. Tackling an armed man, saving a pregnant woman from being assaulted, pulling a woman from a burning vehicle, giving cardiac first aid to save the life of a nine year old boy. It is no wonder that he was awarded an MBE. During his 43 years of service his charitable fund raising has been extraordinary. To name just a few exploits, crossing the Sahara desert on foot, traversing the Amazon also on foot, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, marching from New York to Philadelphia, trekking across Death Valley, travelling to the north pole, and even taking a swim in a tank of tiger sharks. Personally paying all his own costs and expenses, Essex organisations and individuals have benefited by more than 3 million pounds.
Yvette has for more than 32 years given extraordinary service to the Canvey Island Air Scout Group. Amongst her many roles she is the leader of the 8 to 11 year old section taking her cubs away several times a year. One such occasion she took a contingent of 56 to France for a week. She saw to it that all the group had a great time including those wheelchair bound and with ADHT. She fundraises and organises community volunteers, this year helping maintain the Lifeboat and local school gardens, and repainting a whole church. She often steps in to help with Beaver scouts aged 6 to 8 right through to the older ones aged 11 to 14 as a supervisor to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Her nominator says, “She is an inspiration to scouting and a role model for anyone working with young people.”
The Pride of Essex Star of Essex Awards 2016 were sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-Op.
Do you know someone who has committed decades of their time to good causes in Essex? Nominate them for the 2026 Pride of Essex Star of Essex Award now!
© Pride of Essex Awards 2026