The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to exceptional care in the community. Recognising individuals, often key workers, who make a real difference by putting others’ needs before their own, either in a neighbourly or professional capacity.
The 2026 Unsung Hero Award is sponsored by Essex Freemasons. Freemasonry is extremely active in Essex with over 289 Lodges and 120 Chapters that meet in centres across the County. Please click here to visit the Essex Freemasons website.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2025 was sponsored by Radio Essex
Matt Carr, from Braintree, is a quiet force for change. His journey began with fundraising marathons and providing vital equipment for PARC Essex, a charity supporting families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. When PARC closed, Matt and his wife founded POP (Power of Play) Essex, a sanctuary for SEND families inspired by their own experience raising four children, two with SEND.
Through POP Essex, Matt has built a network offering essential services that empower families and children to thrive. His efforts have attracted strong support from charities and businesses, raising over £75,000 through fundraising, bid writing, and strategic partnerships.
Completing the London Marathon symbolizes Matt’s resilience and dedication. Alongside his charitable work, he runs Pallet Wrap Ltd, employing staff and balancing business leadership with community advocacy. Matt is proof that one person’s vision can transform lives and strengthen communities.
Robert works tirelessly across Essex (particularly in the Clacton-on-Sea area) to prevent young people from becoming involved in knife crime. He regularly speaks to community groups and schools about the dangers and consequences of carrying and using knives.
In addition to his outreach work, Robert co-runs a Facebook group that has received a community award in recognition of its impactful talks and ongoing support. Through this platform, he connects families affected by knife crime. He also supports homeless individuals in Clacton-on-Sea.
Caroline is a dedicated long-standing volunteer at Kids Inspire. She supports fundraising events, collects donations, and wraps gifts for the Christmas Appeal with enthusiasm and kindness.
But her contributions go far beyond events. At KIDS holiday clubs, Caroline fosters a warm, inclusive space where children feel safe and valued. As a mentor, she works one-on-one with young people, helping them build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
She also supports community engagement, helping with school workshops and assemblies that help children understand and express emotions. Most recently, she spent a full day helping the communications team during a school film shoot, managing logistics and ensuring the comfort of 18 young participants. Caroline is an crucial part of the Kids Inspire family.
Brian is a true local hero. In 2023, his wife tragically died suddenly. Despite the heartbreak of having been the first responder to her emergency, he continues to serve his community with remarkable strength and compassion.
As a volunteer community first responder in the Dengie area, Brian responds to 999 calls when ambulances are delayed, all while working full-time. His dedication to saving lives is deeply personal and unwavering. He has also raised thousands of pounds for charities, including the Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance and the Dengie Community First Responders.
In addition to emergency response, Brian organises community events to teach CPR and life-saving skills. He also fundraises for emergency kits and equipment to support fellow responders. Brian’s resilience and selfless service have made him an inspiration to many, turning personal tragedy into a powerful mission to help others. We couldn’t agree more.
John, a full-time chef from Chelmsford, spends his evenings feeding hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people. He prepares and delivers hot meals, snacks, and “Happy Bags” filled with food and toiletries: no referral needed. Every Wednesday, he serves meals from his Street Food van opposite Chelmsford Library, offering vegetarian options, homemade desserts, and fruit. Demand is so high that he often runs out.
Supported by his wife Patricia, daughter Ruby, and her boyfriend, John’s outreach extends to London. He’s raised funds for a food truck to ensure weekly hot meals and has helped families fleeing abuse, offering nourishment, kindness, and dignity. Donations from local stores and individuals fuel his work, and he inspires others to give, knowing their support goes directly to those in need.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2023 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
Jane, has dedicated over 30 years of her life, to improving the lives and health outcomes, for those struggling with deafness, hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing-related challenges. This is exceptionally specialist work, which she has delivered, both as a Volunteer, and in a professional capacity, working for local charities and hospitals, over the last 30 years. Jane's work, has improved the lives of thousands of individuals, and in many cases, helped people turn their lives around, after experiencing sudden, and debilitating, hearing loss, and ear-related illnesses.
Nominator, Sophie Ede, said, “When Jane retired from the NHS in 2019, she immediately volunteered to help out, at local Charity 'Hearing Help Essex' as a Trustee. Jane is kind, humble, and beyond generous with her time. She has worked incredibly hard, to help steer ‘Hearing Help Essex’ through the pandemic, supporting the team of staff and volunteers, to deliver services, to over 5,000 individuals in the last year alone. Jane hates the 'limelight' and always shrinks into the background, never taking any credit for her life-changing, and in many cases, life-saving work. She has improved the mental health and wellbeing, of countless individuals, whom without support from Jane would have been left to cope with their unique hearing-related challenges alone. We think Jane is a real-life angel and hope you do too!”
Clare takes around 30 ‘Baby Bank’ referral calls each week, from struggling families, in need of essential children’s items. From clothing and nappies, to cots and pushchairs. Everything a child from birth to 11 years old, could need. Claire manages the social media, the inbox, and the phone line. She also manages the volunteers, and arranges, and runs, several big events throughout the year, including a totally free school uniform shop, and a Christmas tree appeal. For several years, without pay, she has also run a charity shop, in Lakeside.
Her Nominator, daughter Megan, said, “My Mum has two children with additional needs, and suffers herself with anxiety... I don’t know how she does it all.”
Tabitha is the Lead Bereavement midwife now covering Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend. She is special to a lot of families. Her story is best told by her nominator Stacey Alliston, who wrote in saying:
“My little girl was stillborn in 2018 and the circumstances during birth meant that I ended up on life support and in a coma. Tabitha stepped up far more than her role ever required before. She supported my partner and all my family in the hardest time they have faced. Tabitha always goes above and beyond for the families within her care and will fight to get justice for us when necessary. Tabitha’s care didn’t just stop when I left the hospital 5 years ago. She is still always on the end of the phone if I ever need her for support. I know for a fact I am not the only person who has received incredible care by this beautiful lady. The compassion and love she shows to all the families in her care is just incredible, that’s why we call her our earth angel.”
Nominator, Charlotte Gouge, the mother of 13-year-old son Harvey, wrote to us:
“In July this year, my son's school bus, carrying four disabled children, with an assistant, was involved in a high impact head-on collision, caused by a young careless, driver on the wrong side of the road. Donna, our driver, had seconds to avoid the car going up and over the top of the school bus. Her quick reaction and immediate thought for the children, lead her to steer the bus around the oncoming vehicle, but it still took an almighty hit, head on. Smoke, began to appear from both vehicles. Despite being in agonising pain, and without the knowledge of the extent of her own injuries, Donna moved quickly, and removed the children from harm’s way. She was taken to hospital with a collapsed lung, a broken sternum, and a hairline fracture of the spine. The driver of the offending car, was drug tested at the scene; he was found to have driven at extreme speeds, when over the limit. Without Donna, my boy would not be here today. I will be forever grateful to her, for always putting others before herself. A remarkable woman, who deserves this so much.”
Annette is a respite foster carer and has been so for over twenty years. She looks after young adults and occasionally young children with special needs. Apart from her job, she volunteers her help every Wednesday at the Phoenix club for adults with learning difficulties. For the last seven years, she has organised coach trip weekends away. This year the trip to Pontins was sixty strong. She regularly takes smaller groups away for breaks and arranges trips to shows. Yet Annette still finds time to collect for cancer research at the local supermarket. Her Nominator David Ward said:
“Later this year, Annette will turn 70 but she shows no sign of slowing down. She deserves an award in recognition for all the tireless work she does for those with special needs.”
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2022 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
This special couple are best described by the nomination we received from Carolyn Carey. “Kearan and Donna are amazing, they support so many families with children with special needs including mine. For example, I had to take my foster child to visit her ill mum in Chester, sadly she passed away. Donna stepped in and took care of my mum who has cancer and my other foster child who has complex medical needs. Leaving her husband Kearan to care for their own children, two of which have autism and severe learning difficulties.
Another family I know with an adult special needs young man, has been supported by Kearan and Donna following a sudden bereavement of husband and father. They have been invited for meals and emotional support during this difficult time, another family have had assistance with hospital runs and emergency childcare on several occasions this year.
Kearan - a corporal in Merville barracks - and his wife also support a young single mum, who has no local family, with childcare so that she can continue her military career.
This amazing couple also give their time to support the salvation army’s work with the homeless on many Sunday mornings. They do so much to support anyone who needs help in their local community, always with a smile despite the challenges their own life, family and ill health brings.”
Wesley Taylor is a young man from Canvey Island who has made more than ten dangerous trips to the Ukraine to deliver urgent aid and essential supplies. It doesn’t stop there for he also puts himself in danger, transporting refugees back to safety.
Perry experienced a troubled childhood that left a mark on his character. As a hardworking and upright adult, he tried to get into youth work to help guide kids on to a better path than the one he had taken, but was refused because of a Disclosure and Barring Search. Now he is a single parent with two sons. Perry has founded an anti-crime programme called ‘the 21UP movement’ which is self-funded by the sales of custom-made items of youth and street clothing.
His nominator, Jeff Hedges, said, “Perry gives kids opportunities they would not have had without him. He makes no profit but changes so many lives with what he has done. He is the most selfless individual I’ve come across.”
Alex co-founded the THINK YOUTH project with one of our former award recipients Shirley Hume. They are dedicated to getting young people off street corners and to providing an alternative place to go that is fun, entertaining, and rewarding. They are also training young people to be able to use a bleed kit in case they need to use one in an emergency, and how to find the kits. They have recently refurbished an old studio for the youth to use free of charge. Think Youth is funded by the National Lottery and the Essex Community Fund. THINK YOUTH have youth at heart and do what they do out of kindness as they do not get paid for the work.
Dean never thinks of himself. He is on a constant look out for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other essentials to be donated for disabled people or people who are ill. He drives all day picking them up from people who no longer need them and delivering them free of charge to those who do. He arranges charity nights to raise money for many different charities including supplies for food banks, mental health and lots more.
Many nominations have come in to say the same thing that he is a fantastic help to people in need and they don’t know where they would all be without him. In the midst of all he does in Essex he even found time to fill up a couple of vans with mobility aids for the Ukraine. He is indeed a very special man and well deserving to be highly commended as an Unsung Hero.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2021 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
Lauren has been a nurse at Broomfield Hospital for nine years. After recovering from her battle with Covid-19 she went back to work on the Covid-19 Heybridge Ward at Broomfield Hospital doing 12-14 hour shifts. She set up a giving page raising literally thousands of pounds for snacks and drinks for her colleagues and coordinated this throughout the hospital whilst studying for her university degree and fundraising for new hospital equipment. She puts the care of patients and colleagues as top priority above anything for herself, providing much needed energy drinks and high protein snacks and goodies to her front line colleagues to lift their spirits in such stressful times but asked nothing in return for herself. Her Nominator David Wiles said, "She is so dedicated to her career she does not realise how humbled people are by her actions."
Mary has quite frankly been a lifeline for residents of Great Baddow during the pandemic. As soon as lockdown started she set up a network of volunteers to help those self-isolating and the elderly. Over a year later that network is still running and has fulfilled over 1,000 requests ranging from collecting and delivering prescriptions, doing shopping, arranging transport for people to get vaccinated and even delivering leftover bunches of flowers donated by local businesses to cheer people up during their lowest periods. Nominator Andy Graham said, "I dread to think how many hundreds of hours she has selflessly put in. Quite frankly, I am in awe of her."
Jean is 78 years old, an age when you would expect her to be able to relax and perhaps receive care from her family. Sadly that is not possible as seven years ago Jean's daughter Lisa fell down her stairs. She cracked her skull, an injury that has left her severely disabled. Lisa returned home after a year and requires carers four times a day plus night care. Otherwise Jean is there for Lisa the remainder of the time. Jean also has a son Andrew, in his fifties who is dangerously epileptic and unable to fully care for himself. Jean cares for him throughout. Jean also has to negotiate the growing up of Lisa's three sons, one of whom is highly autistic with speech problems. She also has to deal with the ebb and flow of her grandchildren between Lisa's household and that of her former partner. Her Nominator Alan Bellchambers said I believe she risen to the task with amazing energy for a women of her age. Truly an Unsung Hero.
Kelly never stops, she is always giving. She has two children, is a police officer of long standing, runs a local community tea room, the Hub, and is the founder of The Baby Bank HQ that supports hundreds of families each year on a voluntary basis. The Hub was started during lockdown earlier this year, and due to her hard work she has now managed to source four community hubs, she manages many volunteers and helps hundreds of families a year in her free time. All this and she runs a local charity to help families living in poverty. In the opinion of her nominator Tom Phillips she is a pillar of the community and thoroughly deserves an Unsung Hero award.
Hannah and Daniel have since children, helped out at their local church, but when Covid-19 hit they felt they needed to do more. Fortunately as they were able to work from home they both kept their jobs and were able to live at their parents' homes. Initially they answered the call from their local church (St Thomas of Canterbury, Grays) for young people to volunteer to sanitise the church, greet and check off the congregation, enforce social distancing and re-sanitise again after the service. They have been helping twice a week for nearly a year. For six months or so they have been volunteering for Friends of Essex and London Homeless. Once a week they visit Greggs bakery, collect leftovers and help to distribute the food. Every Friday whatever the weather they volunteer at the Grays soup kitchen. In addition they help co-ordinate and distribute donated rucksacks of sanitary and other useful products before Christmas. They have been truly moved by the plight of the people they have met and have a renewed determination to help even more. Their selflessness and generosity, as well as a real appreciation of their relatively privileged position, are a true inspiration. They do not look for recognition or praise, they just get on with what needs to be done.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2020 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
Judging by the large volume of nominations that we received for Liza, she must be the most popular, as well as the most caring worker, at The Queens Court residential care home in Buckhurst Hill. She has worked there for four years. During this time her work particularly with activities, has brought the care home alive. She connects with people of all ages, levels and backgrounds. Even during her battle with breast cancer last year the residents were her first thought, she returned to work within four months of her mastectomy. Her Manager Mary Joseet wrote, “Families and friends of the residents adore Liza and are reassured that their loved ones are with her. She is a constant support for them while their loved ones are in our home. You can often hear the residents asking for Liza and commenting on how things aren’t the same without her being there. She is one of the most selfless people I have met and continues to amaze me on a daily basis with her dedication and commitment to our staff, residents, their families and friends.”
Mary has quite frankly been a lifeline for residents of Great Baddow during the pandemic. As soon as lockdown started she set up a network of volunteers to help those self-isolating and the elderly. Over a year later that network is still running and has fulfilled over 1,000 requests ranging from collecting and delivering prescriptions, doing shopping, arranging transport for people to get vaccinated and even delivering leftover bunches of flowers donated by local businesses to cheer people up during their lowest periods. Nominator Andy Graham said, "I dread to think how many hundreds of hours she has selflessly put in. Quite frankly, I am in awe of her."
Marie is a nurse at Broomfield Hospital, on the morning of September 15th she was dropping off her children at primary school when, out of the blue, 49 year old Jogger Paul Wright collapsed in front of her. He had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Marie commenced CPR, and continued even after the ambulance had arrived. Paul ended up being intubated on site and air-lifted to Broomfield Hospital where he spent 6 days in an induced coma on a life support machine. Miraculously, Paul survived. The heart specialist confirmed on 28th September that the quick actions and high quality of CPR performed by Marie had saved Paul’s life.
Paul’s wife, and nominator, Nadine said, “Had it not been for Marie’s quick action and selflessness, I would have been without my husband and our children without their father. Marie even offered to accompany Paul in the helicopter as she didn’t want him to be left alone. She is a remarkable person and most certainly my unsung hero. I don’t know how I could ever repay Marie, but this award would go some way to recognising her outstanding act of kindness and bravery at a time when most people would have panicked and struggled to know what to do.”
Jean leads an amazing charity called Harlow Stroke Support - Rehab. Centre. They support 300 stroke survivors and their families. Each week, Jean runs exercise classes, speech & language classes, cognitive rehab. classes and social groups. Currently Jean is providing a phone support service to our members, then organising repeat prescriptions, food deliveries and getting errands run so that the vulnerable members stay in. Every member gets a regular check-in phone call to make sure they are well and to reduce social isolation. Each day she provides crosswords, quizzes and projects to keep members focussed and to ensure that they have a clear purpose, to maintain their mental health.
Vikki and Deidre both work in a small Tesco outlet at Southend-on-Sea. They noticed that they had not seen regular customer Val for four days. They made enquiries to find out where she lived and went to the apartments. By knocking on doors and asking they discovered which one she lived in. They knocked loudly several times but got no reply. Then they heard a groan from inside, looking through the letterbox they saw Val laying on the floor with blood and flies surrounding her. They got help and managed to break open the door. Val had been there for over three days following a fall. They called an ambulance straight away. The Doctors say if it wasn’t for them checking to see if Val was okay she would have been dead. Val has now been relocated to a sheltered home.
Dean has been suffering from severe depression ever since he lost his wife to cancer three years ago. Dean is blessed with a fine singing voice and despite his own struggles has been giving up his time every Thursday, singing to raise money for the NHS, Marie Curie, Saint Francis Hospice and MIND, as well as helping all the local food banks. In a short time, he’s raised over £6500 for these wonderful charities. He has recorded and sold his CDs, he has organised food banks (raised the money, shopped and distributed the food himself) and organised auctions. Two of his many nominators Amanda Potter and Lynn Robinson said: “He never stops, he has got a heart of gold. He is still raising money today and organising food parcels for people struggling at Christmas. Dean has put all his efforts into bringing the community together during these troubled months and restored our faith in human nature.”
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2019 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
Shirley started Springfield Youth Group (SYG) to combat anti-social gang behaviour and knife crime. She gives her time tirelessly seeking funding to keep the youth group running. Shirley’s involved with lots of projects trying to get young people to respect their community. She regularly holds information evenings on gang and knife crime. She has organised self-defence classes to enable the young people to protect themselves against knife attacks, muggings and rapes. She runs first aid courses for young people. She held gang awareness evenings, not just for the young but also for parents. They were so well attended she was asked by the police fire and crime commissioner to do more in different areas.
Shirley has been such a success that other villages have asked for her help to start similar youth groups, currently she is helping with Witham, Danbury and Broomfield. She’s determined to change the young peoples way of thinking and to help them gain self-respect and to respect others. She has to attend a lot of courses, which is difficult for Shirley as she has several disabilities of her own to deal with on a daily basis.
Her Daughter Kellyanne says: “Mum is an amazing person whom has single handedly raised five children and believes today’s youth just need understanding.”
Sky is recovering from an operation she had for cancer, which necessitates her taking a lot of medication daily, just to keep going. Nevertheless she goes out of her way to feed the homeless of Basildon. She clothes and feeds them and makes sure that they’re OK. She spends every weekday doing this; she also organises a meet every Sunday in Basildon where the homeless can get food, clothes, sleeping bags, and a packed lunch. All this she does off her own back and in her own time.
Suzie is the proprietor of a small, craft and teashop in Maldon. It’s a shop with a difference; inside Suzie manages to find time to hold regular ‘Kindness in a cup’ friendship groups for lonely people. She is also a bereavement help point for Farleigh Hospice. Together with local care homes Suzie runs a community wide ‘wishing-washing line’, through which young and old have both got involved to fulfil wishes of elderly people. All this whilst struggling with Ill health and looking after her own children, still she finds time to help others.
As her nominator Stacy Roberts says, "Suzie is a totally selfless person."
Mother of two young children, Natalie has dedicated her life to raising awareness of women’s charities, and helping to build the confidence of those abused. She set up Q4, a successful national plus size pageant, giving finalists a voice to promote the platform of their choice and to raise money for their chosen charities. Having gone through an abusive marriage herself, she uses her experience to help victims of domestic violence, by counselling and providing essential items, often funded with her own money, delivering to safe houses where the victims have fled with their children. She has set up a breakfast club, where parents can accompany their children, before taking them to school. Parents and children can go for free, without payments to Natalie and completely none profit.
Trish has run the Tolleshunt D’Arcy toddler group for 30 years, which is now a registered charity. She is also on the pre-school committee, as a full time child minder. She is also on the committee raising funds to get a new village hall, which has set itself a target of £750,000. She is a member of the fete committee which last year raised over £2000 in just a few hours. Trish has been on one committee or another for more than 45 years.
Her nominator Katie Loman says, "Trish gets involved with every charity event to make our Tolleshunt D’Arcy community better. She is such a big part of our village and is so proud to be part of the community she works hard for."
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2018 was sponsored by St Lawrence Holiday Park.
Julie Taylor, who runs the cafeteria at St. Peter’s Hospital in Maldon, has become a beacon of hope and support for her community. She tirelessly organises donations from local businesses to provide food parcels for elderly residents in need and ensures that those who are homeless or without money can enjoy a hot meal at no charge. Julie also hosts activities for the elderly, funds them through raffles, and puts on a free Christmas party for 50 children and their families, where every child receives a gift. Her café serves as a safe and welcoming space for vulnerable individuals, with many describing her as the heart of the community.
Beyond her work in the café, Julie supports nine charities and operates a local food bank to help low-income families. Her efforts have inspired many, including those who have started collections of their own. She is celebrated for her selflessness, cheerful spirit, and tireless commitment to making life better for the elderly, the disadvantaged, and children. Julie’s incredible impact has led to an extraordinary 75 nominations, each highlighting her dedication and kindness, making her a truly deserving candidate for recognition.
Trisha Woolner is an exceptional individual whose selflessness and dedication to her community have earned her widespread admiration. As the owner of The Writtle Rascals childminding service, Trisha has provided invaluable support to families, allowing working parents to thrive while knowing their children are in safe, stimulating hands. Beyond her work as a childminder, Trisha volunteers extensively, running the local Cub Scouts and toddler groups, organising fundraising activities, and offering her time freely to help others in need. She even takes children on overnight trips, providing them with life-changing experiences while giving parents a much-needed break.
Her impact on those around her goes far beyond her professional and volunteer work. Trisha has been a steadfast support to friends and family during times of crisis, such as when she stepped in to care for a child during a medical emergency, allowing a mother to focus on her husband’s recovery. Despite personal loss and the demands of caring for others, Trisha never expects anything in return, consistently putting the needs of others above her own. Her unwavering commitment to her community, family, and friends makes her a truly deserving nominee for recognition, and the countless testimonies from those whose lives she has touched highlight the profound impact she continues to make.
Louise Greenslade has received an overwhelming number of nominations for the Unsung Hero Award, highlighting her remarkable strength and selflessness in the face of numerous personal hardships. Over the past few years, she has experienced the loss of several close family members, including her Nan, Dad, Aunt, and Uncle, while also supporting her mother through a life-changing illness. Despite these challenges, Louise has continued to care for her six children, manage her part-time job at Godwin Primary School, and volunteer in the community by helping run the "Pay It Forward" Facebook group.
Her unwavering dedication to others, even while facing her own struggles, has inspired those around her. Louise’s ability to maintain a positive attitude and put the needs of others before her own has made her a beloved figure in her community. The numerous heartfelt nominations she has received from friends, family, and colleagues speak to her extraordinary character, making her a truly deserving candidate for the Unsung Hero Award.
Georgia Dehaney-Perkins, from Harlow, is a truly selfless individual whose dedication to helping others is extraordinary. Despite facing her own challenges, including caring for her 94-year-old grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer's, Georgia consistently puts others first. She manages to balance her responsibilities as a full-time worker and a mother to two young daughters, while providing vital support to those in need. She goes above and beyond by assisting a mother who has fled domestic violence, driving her children to school each day to ease their financial burden.
In addition to her caring duties, Georgia volunteers for initiatives like the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, where she is one of the few young people involved. Raised by her grandmother, Georgia has always shown immense compassion, and her commitment to her family and community, especially in such difficult circumstances, makes her an incredibly deserving nominee for this award. Her kindness and tireless work to improve the lives of others truly deserve recognition.
Richard Dray, from Rayleigh, is the dedicated organiser, secretary, and treasurer of the Southend Jazz-Co-op, a unique music venture that he has nurtured since 1996. The Co-op was born from an informal gathering following the 1995 Easter Jazz Course, and under Richard's leadership, it has grown into a thriving ensemble of 20 musicians. Richard has been instrumental in securing venues for the group, from the Cricketer's Pub to St Michael's Church, and now the Hadleigh Old Fire Station, where the group meets every Saturday. His organisational skills, from handling finances and resources to coordinating musicians and teachers, have been crucial in keeping the Co-op running smoothly.
Beyond his administrative role, Richard is also a talented musician, providing invaluable drumming at every session and contributing his own teaching expertise. He has a passion for jazz and works tirelessly to bring in top jazz musicians to lead workshops and masterclasses, enriching the experience for everyone involved. Richard also arranges regular jam sessions and gigs at local community events. His selfless dedication, love for jazz, and commitment to providing opportunities for musicians of all abilities make him a true unsung hero in the Essex music scene.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2017 was sponsored by St Lawrence Caravans.
Carolann has for over twenty years worked tirelessly to support people with Aspergers’s syndrome, and their families. In 1997, the year her daughter Nita was diagnosed, Carolann set up the support group SAFE, to Support Asperger Families in Essex. In 1998 SAFE became a registered charity; Carolann was to be its Chair for the next 12 years, stepping down in 2010 due to her husband’s ill health. She continued her involvement as President and through voluntary activities. When Nita left school Carolann realised that like other adults with Asperger’s she faced enormous difficulties with employment, housing and meaningful relationships. Carolann created a new branch within SAFE called Asperger’s Syndrome Adults and Parents. ASAP, has provided a lifeline for those seeking help. Carolann continues to volunteer her time and sits on the Essex County Council Autism advisory board. She has been, and continues to work courageously on behalf of others, a true Unsung Hero.
Ruth has been ever present at St Luke’s Hospice since it began. Nowadays she is a trustee and volunteer receptionist. Her links to the hospice are well known, it’s not unusual to see her heading off to a St Luke charity shop, arms laden with donated goods from friends and neighbours, some of which are simply left on her doorstep. Her mantra is "St. Luke’s is my life." In 1990, she completed a form to indicate how she could help, she identified a wide range of tasks but added a note on the bottom, "Always call me in an emergency, for anything."
Danny is one of the directors of community radio project ‘Gateway 978’ a station run by volunteers. Gateway won the Prime Minister's Big Society Award in 2012, and the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2013. Danny is the driving force, helping young people to overcome barriers using radio as a tool to inspire. He is patron of a media centre having set up the radio hub to help other radio stations in the community work and network together. Apart from radio Danny is a patron of the excellent La Danse Fantastique (one of our former winners) and is also patron of Maru Karate Kai both of which are mindful in providing young people with directions and objectives.
Susan has devoted most of her life to being an Unsung Hero. In fact she has been a Duke of Edinburgh leader for over 40 years, has helped at numerous sports clubs and has run weekly summer camps for children. In addition she is a first responder whose prompt close attention has saved lives. Her nominator, granddaughter Abbie, says, “For all the unpaid volunteer work that she has done over such a long period she deserves to hear someone say thank you for everything that she has done.”
Paul has had a rough ride; he has been battling drug abuse, alcohol and mental health issues for many years. Six years ago, after the death of his father, Paul was in a bad way, he left Suffolk and moved to Southend. With the support of the Richmond fellowship and social services, Paul has turned his life around. He has managed to give up drugs and alcohol and he no longer smokes. He works one day a week in a charity shop, he is on a computer course, he runs a fishing group, and is in charge of a walking group. He’s also engaged in keep fit, swimming, and Zumba classes! He now runs a peer group for other mental health sufferers. His nominator says, “I can’t emphasise enough just how ill he was, his turnaround is nothing short of a miracle, due partly to the wonderful help and support he received, but mainly his own strength of character, we and all his extended family are so very proud of him,” and so are we!"
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2016 was sponsored by St Lawrence Caravans.
Gerald, from Danbury is a co-founder of St Luke's Hospice in Basildon where he has been a fundraiser for the last 32 years. More than three decades have passed since Gerald and the other cofounders got the first set of keys to an old farmhouse which was to become the modern hospice. He still volunteers, and is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. These days it costs over three million pounds a year to run St. Luke’s Hospice service. Although some support is received from the Local Primary Care Trust, a very large proportion of the funds have to be raised directly by them selves. What’s more, Gerald has recently also taken on the extra responsibility of working with additional Hospice premises in Thurrock. As a full time accountant Gerald has always cared and continued to look after the finances of the Hospice. His daughter Helen says, “The hospice is dad's fourth child!”
Rocio is part time manager at URC Church Witham. After her shift she visits the sick and helps in any way that is needed, with personal care or just sitting with somebody who is very lonely. She helps with housework whenever necessary and visits hospital when people are coming to the end of their lives. She shops for the elderly and she takes gifts to the lonely. People don’t have to ask for her help as she has a great sense of knowing where need is. Rocio does all of this as well as going to work and taking great care of her three young daughters and husband.
Her nominator Maureen Barry says, “Rocio puts her faith into action in the most wonderful way, she has a caring heart and asks nothing for herself. She is an amazing woman, loved and appreciated by so many sick, vulnerable and homeless people. She is a hero to so many, yet so few know it.”
Kitty has been volunteering at Fair Havens Hospice for an astonishing 30 years. She was to become a volunteer for her local hospice in April 1986 after being inspired by the charity’s founder, Daphne Hall. She’s still there, helping patients with craft activities as well as providing refreshments in the kitchen. Kitty also helps train other Day Care volunteers. Kitty says, “I’ve loved every one of my 30 years volunteering at Fair Havens. I enjoy looking after the patients, the whole atmosphere is lovely.”
Kitty’s Volunteer Coordinator, Day Care Sister Janet Moring, said, “Kitty is a very friendly lady who interacts well with patients. She has given so much in the past 30 years and she inspires other volunteers to do the same.”
Steve from Colchester has Down syndrome, but never lets it stop him striving for an independent life. His involvement with ‘’Action for Family Carers’ was a big challenge. Family members accompanied him on his first few visits until he was confident of his route and where to get the bus. To begin with he was mostly helping out in the kitchen but over time has become a full member of the team, assisting with activities and encouraging others to become involved. He assists the Adult community support workers on a weekly basis, joining in discussions and games. He encourages clients to open up and talk and to participate in a variety of activities. He often has them in stitches with his conversations. The Adult Community support workers have nothing but high praise for Steve, and rate him as a huge asset. The members at the Mersea Island respite club love having him involved and have taken him to their hearts. Steve has gained in confidence, so much so, that he is now the star of the feature film, ‘My Feral Heart’, which won the audience award in the 2016 Cinequest film festival. Steve’s looking forward to a planned trip to America to promote the film and hoping the experience may help him get more work in the future. Look out George Clooney!
Nominator Sandra says, “Steve has become a valuable and committed volunteer, he is a brilliant example of what a ‘can do’ attitude can achieve.”
John started volunteering in Basildon while he was still at work, spending his free time, evenings and weekends, attending community meetings, council meetings and volunteering on community projects. He is, or has been, engaged in running all kinds of community projects and clubs, many of which he set up. What people don’t know about John is that he is a disabled man who has broken almost every bone in his body through motorcycle accidents in his younger years. Often John will refuse a handshake because his hands are in too much pain. However, if a job needs doing in the community or a person needs a helping hand he rolls up his sleeves and presses on with things. Decorating a hall for a community event, fetching and carrying, up and down ladders, even in pain he won’t stop until the jobs done.
His Nominator Michelle Fairchild says, “I have never met a person as straight talking, so passionate about volunteering on behalf of the community. He describes himself as Marmite, he often says, 'you either love me or hate me.' I guess our community likes Marmite!”
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2015 was sponsored by ECL.
Waltham Abbey’s Shane Yerrell was walking through a field searching for his dog, on Halloween 7 years ago, when he was attacked and punched in the head by two masked men. He managed to escape, but what he thought was a punch was in fact a stab wound. Rather than dwell on this despicable act he determined to help other families who had suffered knife crime. He began by making £2000 for the Ron Knox Foundation and the Kiyan Prince Foundation, part of which involved climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
He has raised thousands of pounds since for many charities, from Great Ormond Street Hospital to Parkinson’s.
What makes Shane special, is the way he cares for all those in difficulty. For Example raising £1200 to provide specialist brain care for a survivor following a road crash where 3 other passengers died. Raising £3000, for equipment, for a severely disabled boy, to make his life more comfortable. Raising £825 for Teens Unite, after hearing that the Charity had money stolen.
Christopher Bullock works for the Epping Forest Voluntary Action Group as a handy household helper for elderly, vulnerable and disabled tenants of the district council. The couple that nominated him are both registered disabled.
Mrs Burton, with severe sight loss, diabetic and arthritic. Mr. Burton, also with arthritis, as well as renal failure and colitis. When they were moved to a bungalow in March 2013, they asked the council if anyone could help with basic jobs, they were referred to the Handy Person Service and introduced to Chris Bullock. They now regard Chris as a personal friend who has helped them to cope by carrying out numerous jobs, indoor and outdoor, from installing handrails and shelving to plumbing.
She described Christopher as, “Extremely courteous and invaluable. We cannot thank him enough for all he does, we wanted him and his work recognised, which is why we’re nominating him for an award.”
When Derek Thomas is not teaching primary school children he gives his spare time to The Southend Street Pastors. He patrols the Streets of Southend between 9pm and 4am ensuring that people are safe and that they can get home safely. For the last two years he has also coordinated fifty volunteers. As a result some people are alive today that admitted, had it not been for the Street Pastors, they may well have committed suicide.
An extract from the statistics for the month of May alone, shows attention to: 46 rough sleepers, 4 very depressed people (2 appearing suicidal), 3 fights prevented, 4 aggressive situations calmed down, 10 people sobered up, so they would be accepted in a taxi (including a 14 year old girl) 7 meals, and 65 hot drinks given out together with countless smiles, handshakes and hugs.
Monica Marsh has for several years been a volunteer at ‘Action for Family Carers’ in Maldon. She volunteered following ten years as a full time carer herself for her late husband, who had suffered from Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. When the opportunity came Monica dedicated herself to giving something back to the charity that had supported and helped her.
In addition to helping in the office, she has trained as a ‘Citizens Advocate’ so she could help other unpaid carers. She also sits on the fundraising team and is always helping out, whether its jumble sales or serving teas and coffees. She has even created for the benefit of carers a small sensory garden, which won an award in the recent Maldon in Bloom Competition.
Her nominator Sandra Amey-Martin said, “We would be at a loss without Monica, her cheery unassuming nature has made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of unpaid carers and their cared-for.”
Having been a carer for her late father, Elaine asked Harlow council if there was any voluntary work she could do. In itself this may not appear surprising, except when you take into account that Elaine suffers herself from Cerebral Palsy.
Elaine would not let her limited mobility prevent her from helping others. She was recruited in the first place as a ‘volunteer telephone befriender’ working for a charity that supports carers across our county. Since starting she threw herself into the charity, helping at the office and the respite centre, she even attended a first aid course believing that it could come in useful.
Her nominator says, “Elaine never moans, she is always laughing and bringing up everyone’s spirits. She is an absolute joy to work alongside.”
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2014 was sponsored by Blue Strawberry Bistrot.
Ralph broke four vertebrate in his back this year and had to wear a support for three months. Despite physical problems, he continued to volunteer as a Street Pastor in Brentwood on Friday evenings, giving help to anyone in need. As well as running his own business, he finds time to sit on committees for the Brentwood Skate Park Assn and the RAF Air Training Corps. He’s a Governor for Sawyers Hall College and a dedicated volunteer for the Boys Brigade. He regularly attends Sawyers Church in Brentwood and is a loyal supporter to the church community. Last year he and his wife who have already have the challenge of three young children of their own, decided to fulfil a lifetime ambition of being Therapeutic Foster Carers to hard to place teenagers.
They have already helped many teenagers to deal with incredibly challenging situations in their lives. Ralph was nominated a by his younger sister Helen. She says, "My brother has always put others before himself. He is very humble and doesn't think twice about helping anyone. The award would thank him for the support he has given to so many people, young and old, across Essex over the years."
When younger Sas was a Guide with Wickham Bishops Guide... she now runs the unit. Over the last ten years she has been to university, studied, carried out work experience yet still manage unfalteringly to run the Guides every week. The unit has now increased its numbers three fold. Her activities over the last year have been amazing, from church cleaning to trapeze training, camping to international jamborees. She is a true inspiration to the younger generation someone who has tirelessly fundraised and found time to support them. She manages to work around her nursing shifts and never misses Wickham Bishops Guides arriving from her Springfield home using public transport.
Sue’s husband Acting Sergeant Brian ‘Bill’ Bishop, a hard working policeman, was shot and murdered by an armed robber in Frinton in August 1984. Sue has since campaigned and fundraised for COPS (Care of Police Survivors). Her nominator says, “As one of the first police widows, she has for the last 30 years been there for all bereaved families, she is loved and respected by all, including the police force.”
Sophie gave up her time to look after an elderly neighbour during a period of illness. Her neighbour Mrs Lillian Clark had a fall and broke her hip which, in turn, led to other medical issues. Sophie was a great support to her. She visited daily, helping with chores around the home, meal preparation, washing up plus other tasks her neighbour needed help with, like watering the plants in her greenhouse. Sophie is only 13 yrs old but showed great maturity and compassion helping her neighbour in her hour of need.
The Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award 2013 was sponsored by Blue Strawberry Bistrot.
Ray helps people in the local area with their hearing aids, giving practical help and advice – last year he alone helped 267 people by cleaning and re-tubing their hearing aids.
He has a cheery disposition, always has a smile and is so willing to help anybody. With his own hearing loss and tinnitus he has been able to share experiences, gives tips on how to get the most out of the hearing aid, best ways to communicate, demonstrate equipment, the list goes on, with both volunteers and clients. He gives his time freely to visit clients in their own homes (often at very short notice) and attend regular Hearing Help Sessions. In the last 6 months he has seen 163 people.
In the past Ray has been a main fund raiser. He organises sponsored walks and/or cycle rides. One year when we couldn’t arrange a suitable date for a sponsored event, Ray and his wife Beryl took it in their own hands and walked the whole 81 miles of the Essex Way. What a great achievement. Since 1998, through his own efforts, Ray has managed to raise over £5,000 for Hearing Help Essex.
Stan joined the ‘Friends of the Flitch Way’ in December 2004 and since then has worked continuously as a volunteer on conservation work parties. In 2005 Stan agreed to become the Chairman of the charity and has now maintained the role for nearly 9 years. Stan was responsible for the initial design of the charity logo. He has made many successful applications for grant funding and has been the main organiser for the railway carriage project at Rayne Station. Stan helps out with many other charities including Mencap, Children in Need and at Christmas he is Santa for the Braintree Lions venturing out in all weathers.
Louise’s second son Tristan was born with many problems, but despite everything Louise has ensured he has an active life, and she went with him to PARC and has now been on their Trustee Committee for 7 years. She is involved in the day to day running and decision making. Louise is also involved with her church in Cressing. She is the Deanery Synod Representative and is on the Deanery Pastoral Committee. To add to this she is the recently appointed Youth & Safeguarding Officer and is now embarking on training for this. On top of this she has been a supporting Church Warden. To understand her faith more she has now enrolled on a 2 year course in Christian studies which could lead to her becoming a Lay Reader or to go into Ordained Ministry.
Mark Dale is the local volunteer working to improve the lives of local people affected by physical and mental disability, hate crimes, clinical patient steering groups, mental health awareness events, and various support groups across the county. Chair of the South Essex and Basildon Disability and Equality Forum, Chair of the Hate Crime Panel, Committee Member for SEPT's Essex and Suffolk Integrated Services Patient and Carer Experience Group, Committee Member of NEPFT Patient Steering Forum, Associate Lecturer for Anglia Ruskin University SUCI Group, and a mental health service user.
Mark works tirelessly to support anyone who needs his help, often going above and beyond the remit of his voluntary titles. Mark is well respected by members and officers of Basildon Borough Council, SEPT and NEPFT, as well as third sector organisations, members of local voluntary support groups, and individual service users.
Mary has given voluntary service to Acorn Village for approximately 39 years. She devotes herself totally to running two charity shops and organises over 60 volunteers who help run the shops. She also supports all the fundraising activities. Even though Mary is 82 years young she has boundless energy and enthusiasm and always gives 100%.
Do you know someone in Essex who always puts others' needs before their own? Nominate them for the 2026 Pride of Essex Unsung Hero Award now!
© Pride of Essex Awards 2026