Vote for your favourite Pride in Milton Keynes Finalist
Last year's winners we are so proud of!
This year there is no charge to vote, all we ask is that you vote only once as we will only accept one vote per household/telephone number
Please read the stories below sent in by this year's thoughtful nominators and decide on your favourite and most deserving story.
You have until Sunday 20th September MIDNIGHT to get your vote in, simply follow the link after the stories
Ready to read? Have you got your tissues at hand!
Amy Jones - Young Achiever and Outstanding example of Bravery
20 year old Amy has overcome a massive hardship over the last year and a bit. She suffered a stroke during the night of 8th Jan 2014 whilst round a friend's house. They didn't realise the seriousness of it all until she got to hospital when the Dr's and nurses realised it was a stroke. She was rushed to John Radcliffe Hospital and was in a critical condition for 48 hours and they weren't sure whether she would survive. She fought so hard in hospital and was at John Radcliffe for a bit over a week before they transferred her to Milton Keynes Stroke unit to continue her rehabilitation. She made an aim to be out of hospital by Valentine's day so she could spend it with her boyfriend at the time and she made amazing steps to reach her goal. She had to learn to walk all over again as the left side had completely given up and she could only use one hand so a lot of changes had to be made but I went to see her every week and every week she was improving more and more. She came out just before valentine's day and her rehabilitation continued from home and with the help of physiotherapists, OT, weekly swimming and her amazing family she went from strength to strength and now a bit over a year on and she has been discharged from the hospital and is basically back to normal, she is now working and volunteering at Willen Hospice and looking for jobs and making the most of life. Her positivity throughout has been amazing, an incredible young lady. She definitely has achieved so much to get to where she is now and deserves the young achiever award.
Bletchley Park Education Team - Excellence in Education
Last year, 9,500 schoolchildren took part in curriculum-linked workshops in Codebreaking, Online safety, History and Mathematics at Bletchley Park. A further 4,000 schoolchildren were visited by ‘The Enigma Man’, Bletchley Park’s Education Outreach Officer, who travelled to schools across the country taking the story and maths of the Codebreakers to a new audience. The Bletchley Park Education offering is unique - embracing mathematics, world history, communications, security, technology, online safety and the value of creative thinking. The site is unique as it offers an authentic environment where mathematics and Codebreaking affected the course of world history. The workshop content is so popular with schools because the education team bring the fascinating secrets of wartime innovation to life, inspiring children whilst encouraging numeracy and critical thinking skills. The staff and volunteer team have developed exciting learning opportunities for all ages with innovative ‘family maths’ workshops and by supporting schools to participate in national maths challenge events. New sponsored bursaries for disadvantaged schools, activities for children with special needs and a programme of adult learning the education team have expanded Bletchley Park’s scope and reach in Milton Keynes and beyond. Collaborations include a codebreaking project with White Spire Special School in Bletchley, which culminated in a public exhibition attended by representatives of Milton Keynes Council, heritage and arts organisations, students, teachers and families. The Trust employs a team of education professionals supported by a group of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. Together they are using contemporary teaching methods and modern technology to deliver original, unique learning activities. 95% of schools tell us that they will be bringing students back to Bletchley Park. “It went beyond our high expectations. It is the best school trip we have both been on. Fantastic from start to finish” Teacher feedback. It has been a time of rapid expansion and change for everyone at Bletchley Park and the Education team have faced the challenge with energy and determination. The staff and volunteers make Bletchley Park an exciting place for young people to discover the secrets of the Codebreakers whilst learning about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths that underpinned their remarkable wartime achievements. “The staff at Bletchley Park made our visit enjoyable and interesting, and I definitely came from the trip knowing a lot more about codes, ciphers and the war. Thank you for making our trip amazing.” Student feedback. This is just the beginning, there are ambitious plans to welcome 17,000 schoolchildren to Bletchley Park by 2020, to implement more innovative and engaging informal learning opportunities across the site, and create a bespoke learning and research centre in the next phase of restoration. Winning the Pride in MK award for Excellence in Education will acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and achievements of Bletchley Park’s Education team who work tirelessly to inspire the next generation of Codebreakers.
Bob Stones - Unsung Hero
Bob Stones, is the chair of Central Housing Association based in North 10th Street CMK, Bob has worked so hard with the local residents to turn this area that was a crime problem area, crime is reduced and people are starting to buy flats in this area again. Bob has worked hard over the years with the residents Bob has arranged for a long term garden project with residents and workers from the local job centre who work on ground works for 30 hours a week to improve the local gardens, the garden was short listed for Gardeners World but didn't make the finals, Bob also arranges monthly residents meetings to tackle any issues people have and will talk to the local Council or Police to help ease and problems that residents can not deal with, I have worked with Bob 8 Years and i feel he deserves to be nominated for his dedication to his Community.
Clare Gale - Fundraiser of the Year
! would like to nominate Clare Gale in the charity fundraising category for all the work she does for Willen hospice. Sadly Clare lost her sister to cancer and since then her and her family have been committed to raise money for Willen. Clare is so caring and thoughtful and provides some much help and support in the community. Clare also is on the school PTA and provides great help and ideas to raise money for the school. She is so helpful and does all her charity work without looking for acknowledgement. On top of this she works full time as a senior play leader and organised a summer scheme this summer for the community and the children have loved it. Being cared by her and her team whilst being still in their community
Connor and Fraser MacArthur - Young Achievers
Ride for Willen is a fundraising cycling challenge involving around 30 cyclists from Olney and the surrounding areas. September 2015 will see the cyclists attempt to cycle from Paris to Nice with the aim of raising £100,000 for Willen Hospice. The scope of the challenge is huge – the riders will need to cycle 750 miles in eight days, via legendary Tour de France mountains Alpe d’Huex and Mont Ventoux. Inspired by the Ride for Willen team, eight-year old Connor and five-year old Fraser MacArthur wanted to undertake their own cycling challenge to support the Ride for Willen fundraising efforts. Keen cyclists themselves, the schoolboys decided to complete their own route and raise much needed funds for Willen Hospice. The activity was named ‘Mini Ride for Willen’ and the boys planned to ride 80 miles in eight days with each ride taking place in the afternoon. They trained hard to complete the challenge and on 21st June they set off on the first of eight legs. Across those eight rides they were joined by members of the Ride for Willen team and lots of well-wishers. On 28th June, a crowd of people came to Market Square in Olney to see the final leg of the journey and Connor and Fraser’s homecoming. Their target of eighty miles was actually smashed, completing over 100 on the bike. A Just Giving page was set up for people to sponsor the boys and collections were taken whilst the rides were taking place. The boys had a further boost to their fundraising with a donation from a local bike company. In total the boys raised an incredible £3,000 for Willen Hospice. The money raised by Connor and Fraser can help Willen Hospice achieve so much. It could pay for a week of the support we give at our Lymphedema clinic. It could pay for three days of our Wellbeing Centre, which gives those with end-of-life conditions the benefit of the many services we are able to offer on a day basis. It could almost cover the cost of one patient being cared for at our In-Patient Unit for a whole week. Maya Joseph-Hussain, Director of Business Development at Willen Hospice said “The tenacity shown by these two boys is completing their challenge was just wonderful. The Mini Ride for Willen captured the imagination of so many people and we’re absolutely thrilled that Connor and Fraser supported Willen Hospice with their incredible fundraising efforts. We’d like to offer our sincerest thanks to the boys and the rest of the Mini Ride for Willen team for their awe inspiring support.”
Convergence College - Service with a Smile
As a partially sighted student studying at Convergence Collage which is a charitable not for profit company who are continuing to help people study with volunteer tutors and offering low cost fees and giving discounted or even free (bursarie) for single parents and those on low income. they also offer taster courses which has helped peoplet to change their lives for the better, by students learning life skills and therefore to know themselves more and being able to relate to others more and being able to gain work with new qualifications and people skill.
Corina Cleaver - Care in the Community and Fundraiser of the Year
I usually sit back and keep quite for event like this but on this occasion I need to voice about Corina (Corina MK MASCOT HIRE) she selflessly gives her time to organise and pull through unbelieveable disco's for children raising money for many charities in Milton Keynes such as Henry Allen Appeal, Willen Hospice, Emily's Star. She has been involved in the lives of many children and free of charge given her time (away from her own family) to make the last few months even months of terminally ill children special bringing happiness in theirs and theirs families lives in the darkest of times. She is an amazing lady that puts everyone before herself, even when her personal life is difficult she puts on a smile and becomes a 'real life princess' so make someone child happy. Please consider Corina as a hard working charity worker and also an unsung hero for bring light to families in their darkest times.
Diane Roder - Service with a Smile and Unsung Heroine
Dianne has been a volunteer at mk museum for nearly forty years, she works sean days a week running the tea shop , baking all the wonderful cakes before she arrives , she is in her seventies , and is constantly on the go , when she<s not baking or serving in the tea shop she is out in the grounds weeding and cutting grass oh and in her SPARE TIME, she is busy making corn dollies etc for the bradwell windmill , There are many volunteers at the museum who have given their time for yearskeeping it going ,and all deserve a mention however , if dianne ever retires , we will need half a dozen people to take her place. Everyone remarks about her wonderfull cakesetc but thats only part of what she does, it would be lovely for her to be officialy recognised.
Donna Munnoch - Outstanding example of Bravery
My daughter Donna gave me my life back by donating a kidney to me. She organised the while process by getting in touch with the hospital to organise the first initial tests and as soon as she found out she was a match nothing was going to stop her from donating. She took all the testing and the actual operation in her stride and was calm and determined to help me throughout the whole process. I believe she deserves this as she's given me my life back without the aide of machines and she did it all with the one goal of making me well again.
Edith Dunse - Unsung Heroine
Edith has volunteered on a weekly basis for a local charity Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living (MK CIL) for 20 years. She has taken a central role in the organisation being able to continue taking on several roles included: Trustee, Treasurer, and as an advice worker all on a voluntary basis.
Emily's Teens: Harry Stewart Procter, Chelsea Hall, David Clinch, Garth Johnson and Brendan Williams - Outstanding example of Bravery
I would like to nominate 5 teenagers who did a heroic act in July last year. They were the young strangers who went into the blue lagoon to bring Emily up to the surface and started resuscitation until medical assistance arrived. It was July the 31st when the group of teenagers who are Harry Stewart Procter, Chelsea hall, David glinch, Garth Johnson and Brendan Williams. These teenagers were aged 14 - 16 at the time. This group had spent the day messing about at the blue lagoon and decided to head home. They then heard screaming " a young woman, has gone under and can't find her". The group did know more and ran back towards the water, a young man was in the water ( who was Emily's friend) Harry and Brendan went in the water and started diving down, Harry brought Emily up from the bottom, which as most people know you can't see the bottom, it is not only full of reeds and thick mud, but as its a purpose built water quarry for divers, there is also big mechanical items. Harry was assisted by the friend and Brendan to bring Emily to the waters edge. David and Garth brought Emily onto more solid ground. At this point Emily wasn't breathing, David and Chelsea started CPR which was being shouted at them by other bystanders. They continued to do so until a police officer arrived, followed by paramedics. The paramedics took over and an air ambulance was called to get Emily to hospital in the quickest way. Emily was transferred to John Sutcliffe in oxford where her mum Nicky and family were with her. Unfortunately Emily did not survive the terrible tragedy that unfolded on that day at the blue lagoon. Harry, David and Chelsea were called at a later date to give evidence at the coroner's office in December. Which they did out of respect for Emily and her family. The coroner credited them for doing a very heroic act. They also got to meet Nicky and Emily's family.
ABOUT EMILY
Emily was a beautiful young lady, very popular and was also a dfnor. Because of the teens retrieving her from the water and for giving CPR Emily’s wishes were fulfilled in the event of an accident. Because of her decsion and choice to be a donor she went on to help save the lives of 6 people, this was mentioned by the Coroner, recognised by her friends and confirmed by her lovely Mum Nikki. I feel very deeply that this should be recognised in this nomination out of respect for her direct Family and friends.
Kind regards and thank you! Julie Clinch (David Clinch’s Mum, one of the teens) [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]Harry Banks - Outstanding example of Bravery
Our world fell apart in Summer 2014. Harry, my beautiful blue eyed boy, was just 6, and had been suffering with nosebleeds on and off for quite a long time and so when he had a series of bad ones it wasn’t such a shock. I, of course, took Harry to the doctors and they gave him antibiotics thinking it might be an infection. Looking back, I think Harry also told me his tummy hurt or his legs were tired at various times but I put it down to tiredness and possibly growing pains.
Just after we moved into our new home, and their Daddy into his, I took Harry and his big brother Oscar (then aged 7, nearly 8) to Rock, Cornwall for a holiday and to attend a good friend’s son’s christening and birthday celebrations. It was there that I knew something wasn’t right. Harry had yet more nosebleeds, one or two lasting for up to an hour and I had to carry him everywhere due to his tiredness and 'his legs' or 'tummy hurting.' If I’m honest I thought that he was tired from the upheaval of moving house and possibly slightly anaemic from the nosebleeds. If only this were the case.
There is one day, with hindsight, that stands out for me on the holiday. It was a day when Oscar, Harry and I went for a 21 mile bike ride with our friends which, although Harry enjoyed it, we had to stop on many occasions because he was tired and also cold. This was so unlike my bubbly, smiley, and bouncy, energetic little boy. Now we know why….
As soon as we got home, I took Harry back to the doctors and he asked us to return for some blood tests, which we did, actually on Oscar’s birthday before school, on 10th September 2014. The moment I noticed I had three missed calls and an answer phone message on my mobile from Harry’s doctor my world fell apart although, at the time, I had no idea what was to come. I was told that Harry was “severely anaemic” which led me to break down at my desk in complete fear. I needed to take Harry immediately for further tests so we stopped at their daddy’s so I could talk to Russ and see Oscar for a few minutes on his birthday then went off to the Paediatric Assessment Unit at Milton Keynes Hospital.
Russ (Harry and Oscar’s daddy) was with Harry and I when we were told the next day (17th September,) exactly one week from his first blood test, that he had been diagnosed with the most dreaded of all children's cancers, the rare and aggressive cancer that is known as Neuroblastoma. Not only that, it was stage 4, high risk and had spread all over his body (it was metastatic.)
Harry has already endured almost a year of intensive chemotherapy and continuous investigations, tests and procedures, but still has a long journey ahead. Harry had his surgery only a few weeks ago to remove the primary tumour, but now has to go through high dose chemotherapy, stem cell replacement, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and possibly more, if he is to have a chance to fight this disease completely. He missed about two thirds of the school year last year, was away from home an awful lot, and despite all he has had to go through already, has always maintained his gorgeous smile and cheeky personality. Harry's two favourite teddies/dogs (Bengy and Herbert) have been almost glued to him since September last year. He is the most cuddly, bouncy, cheeky boy and to see him without his bounce has been so hard. He is one determined little boy though!
Our amazing friends and family, have all supported us, both emotionally and physically this past year. Our Mad About Harry fundraising team was created earlier this year, and have done an incredible job, giving up their time to make a difference to Harry’s tomorrow. Due to the aggressive nature of Harry’s cancer and the unexpected setbacks that he has already encountered in his treatment, the Mad About Harry fund has been set up to raise funds in the event that Harry will need to travel overseas where more specific medical trials are available. Even if this part of Harry’s treatment is successful, given the nature of this disease, we would like to ensure that any viable treatments to prevent relapse Worldwide will be available for Harry, to ensure the best possible chance for his future.
Joshua Cullip - Outstanding example of Bravery
I'm not sure where to start with joshua , he amazes me he's battleing a rare terminal illness called Niemann pick and he carries on to suprise me , always wanting to help others , recently we blogged our stay at his hospice , where he filmed his stay to encourage other families it's not as scary as it sounds , joshua has got more battles this year with operations coming up but he continues with a smile and wanting to help ,
Julie Rodwell - Unsung Heroine
Julia is an unsung heroine in my eyes. She has given her time, effort, energy, emotion and love to 9 Guide dog puppies over the last 9 years. She has brought them up so that one day they can go on to change a blind/visually impaired person's life. She doesn't only do this but she is involved in fundraising for the charity Guide Dogs and currently runs the local branch with her husband Pete. She has most recently also taken upon herself to volunteer for the charity as a My guide helping people with a visually impairment learn new routes, takes them shopping or wherever they wish to go either in preparation for a guide dog or if they can't have a guide dog for any particular reason. She also helps Guide Dog owners who have trouble or can no longer free run their dogs by themselves. She is a great friend of mine who goes above and beyond for me and my visually impairment friends, giving us lifts, helping us out and generally doing what she can to make life easier for us. I feel she does too much but to her she can never do enough. She also works at Tesco in Kingston so fitting everything in must be a challenge along with supporting her family which includes her husband Pete who also helps a lot and her three grown up children all still living at home. She is incredible and has never received any recognition so I think this is the time to give her the recognition she truly deserves.
Kathy Howard - Service with a Smile and Unsung Heroine
This lady works with the homeless people who come from the streets into the homeless shelter. She is like a mum to many and shows everyone compassion and care. She is the person that people look to for help and support. A lot of the time even though she is the manager she works shifts so that the staff can have their day's off and never complains. She also has a smile all the time that service users enjoy seeing her for a chat and giggle.
Katie Giannetto - Outstanding example of Bravery
Kate is an incredible young lady who deserves the bravery award for all that she has had to endure and put up with over the last few years. She has always been visually impaired due to a hereditary condition passed down from her mum to all the girls in the family. Kate was the worst affected with cataracts and then contracting Glaucoma. She went to a special school and came out knowing nobody, she went to university and studied psychology and criminal law and successfully became a probation officer working for Milton Keynes Probation office with all kinds of criminals. She met her husband, got married and became pregnant with her first child and during labour something went wrong with the pressures in her eyes and she lost even more sight. She decided to apply for a guide dog and waited 18 months for Paula but unfortunately due to Kate becoming completely blind during the time she was working with Paula, the dog couldn't cope and so she is now without a dog and is awaiting guide dog number 2. She had a 2nd child last year, her husband has epilepsy. They own a home and she looks after her children incredibly well. I only got to know her through our guide dogs last year she is incredible and doesn't let anything get her down. She has had to deal with the death of her sister and her brother who has a lot of problems. She is a fighter and only wants what is best for the children and makes sure they have the best life possible, her youngest daughter has also just been diagnosed with cataracts so that has been another big blow but she's determined not to let this get her down and she continues to do her best for her family. She has had to multitask with guide dog and baby who is now 9 months so that was multitasking at it's best as she says. Until you meet her you don't know how amazing she is.
Louise Prescott Brann - Fundraiser of the Year
Louisa Prescott Brann is a 37 mum of two from Twickenham. Louisa grew up in Aspley Guise and has a large family still in the area. Louisa and the rest of the Barnwell family have raised funds for Willen Hospice for many years in memory of family members who have passed away at the Hospice. In 2014 Lindsay Barnwell, Louisa's mother was admitted to Willen Hospice in October with a brain tumour. Lindsay died peacefully on October 31st 2014 surrounded by her 4 children.
Margaret (and John) Mann REUSE MK - Care in the Community
Margaret is an amazing individual. She has a heart of gold and goes out of her way to help anyone, even if that means giving the clothes off her own back. Her business is amazing and helps the homeless, Alzheimer's, disabled and the less fortunate. She even gave money to a lady to save a dog that was dying. I love Margaret and can't imagine her not in my life. The angel of Milton Keynes.
They do such a great job in the community. Helping people that do not have a lot of money.Margaret will always finds time to listens to peoples problems and will help if she can.
Margaret is a lovely honest lady, she is always willing to help the community, she has a heart of gold, it would be lovely to give her this award, so show she is loved by Us all
Margaret works hard at funding and helping people less fortunate. She gives back to work projects for those that need a chance and a belief in themselves. We need more people like her in this world, who care about people and their community. I am nominating Margaret and the re use team because I think they deserve to reap some reward for what they put into the community.
Miki Garratt - Care in the Community and Excellence in Education
I would like to nominate my daughters cheerleading coach Miki for this award as she has been teaching her since she was a young 5 years old, she is now 12 ! And was only this year diagnosed formally with autism and high anxiety. It's been a tough few years with my daughter self harming .on occasion refusing completely to join in with her tea due to her anxiety but miki has gone over and above the normal duties of sporting coach . She is forever fonding new ways of engaging her in the training sessions, and making her feel a valued part of her team despite all of the extra stress having an Asd child in the team brings. She upholds the inclusion of all motto beautifully and thanks to her my daughter Ellie is now competing at a level we never thought possible. Her serving the community in this way also opens doors to other children with additional needs too. She currently has 2 children with autism on the competing teams and they are doing fantastically under her coaching. She's an inspiration and my hope is that she will one day be taking my daughter to compete at the world championships
Paige Barnes - Young Achiever
I would like to nominate my daughter has we are so proud of all her achievements so far this year, paige is only 16 and has just come back from english schools athletics and come away with a big personal best of 50.19 metres in the hammer event she wanted to acheive this distance and she did it, even though she has had her exams also this year to deal with, se has just had conformation that she has been given a place at loughborough college to study and further her hammer carrier with one of the best coaches in uk which she is so happy about but we are upset she going but we want her to have the best even though we have tried many sponsors to see if we can get help has she is going to have to live there but there is no help for us not even the government which we are shocked over but we will manage some how has she really wants to goto the Olympics one day and represent her country has throwing events are pushed under the carpet compared to running and we would love to get the throwing events more limelight.
PUMPS App Inventors: James Thatcher, Raoul Vangerow, Julien Vertz - Young Achievers
MK Young Achiever award An ingenious design by teenagers for a smartphone app called PUMPS to stop anyone putting the wrong fuel in their vehicle won Best in Show at a top national computer programming competition this year. TNMOC nominates the teenage designers for the MK Young Achiever’s Award. The team of James Thatcher (aged 10), Raoul Vangerow (14) and Julien Vertz (17) came together for the first time at Young Rewired State Week at The National Museum of Computing in July. Using publicly available data, PUMPS is designed to identify a vehicle’s number plate when it pulls on to a filling station forecourt, link it with data held by the DVLA to find out the engine and model number, and communicate with the filling station to disable the fuel pumps that would deliver the wrong fuel to the vehicle. With a very positive attitude and co-operative spirit, they quickly gelled as a team and supported each other in exploring the multi-faceted challenge. To develop the app, they had to be very resourceful and draw upon disciplines that were not (yet) their core strengths. The youngest, James, focused upon the coding elements and used his self-taught skills in the modern computer languages of HTML and Java Script to write most of the software. Raoul took on the data research role to identify where to find appropriate and reliable data and to spot the challenges that were likely to emerge. Julien focused on hardware research to find out how the app could best be implemented. With good humour and enthusiasm, they showed how in a very short time they could address a very complex problem, identify a way to simplify it and produce a sophisticated and elegant solution. The achievements of the team are an exemplar for British industry and show how the country has a young generation with the talent, creativity and discipline to once again be a world-leader in computing.
Rachael Parker - Outstanding example of Bravery
I would like to nominate my step daughter Rachael Parker for the pride award this year.
Rachael is 13, she has just finished having treatment for Ewings Sarcoma. This is a rare form of bone cancer in children.
Rachael was diagnosed last summer (just at the beginning of the summer holidays) at the age of 12. This devastating news saw Rachael undergo 14 rounds of chemotherapy, an operation to remove her hip and femur in her left leg, 2 weeks of radiotherapy, months of taking mountains of pills, infections and many many hospital stays, scans, blood tests and the unimaginable - being a teenage girl with no hair.
Despite all this Rachael has set up her own trust to help other children in her situation by raising money to provide others with hospital bags with essentials for easing their stay whilst having treatment. www.raeraetrust.org.
I have never met anyone so brave, so determined, so caring and compassionate, so Rachael!
I need to share this wonderful human being with the world and let her know that she is a very rare kind.
Rob Harriman - Service with a Smile
When local government budget cuts led to the removal of a number of Milton Keynes Council Neighbourhood Wardens in 2014, MKCCM and CMK Town Council immediately saw the need for a street champion in Central Milton Keynes who could work together with businesses, residents and the local authority in ensuring standards were not diminished. Since joining MKCCM in the newly created CMK Street Warden role in October 2014, Rob Harriman has taken on the challenge wholeheartedly. Rob has forged stronger links with business, the local parish council and the residents of Central Milton Keynes. Residents are now more involved than ever in making Central Milton Keynes a great place to live, work and visit thanks to Rob’s regular drop in sessions and forums, and he is never too busy to assist with issues such as neighbourhood disputes, anti social behaviour and noise and waste complaints. As if that isn’t enough, Rob patrols Central Milton Keynes on a daily basis, tackling different areas and assessing public space, reporting issues to Milton Keynes Council and other stakeholders for resolution. Since Rob started nearly a year ago, he has logged over 1,200 jobs in Central Milton Keynes, with an 85% success rate so far. Just think how different the landscape might be if Rob wasn’t doing this work. It’s easy to see how well Rob integrates with residents and businesses in the area – even on a quiet day, walking down Avebury Boulevard with him you’re sure to be stopped for at least a dozen greetings and conversations along the way. Usually, at least half of those will be a quick thank you for helping resolve an issue to make their area look more attractive and feel safer. And all the while, Rob is happy to stop and chat, grateful for such positive feedback but modest in how his work makes such a difference. With all of this considered, it has been a great first year for Rob. We look forward to the next one!
Ronnie Goddard - Fundraiser of the Year
Ronnie started running just 2 years ago when his brother started a running club Harrys Rainbow Runners. He began with running a half marathon and then went onto the Mk Full Marathon in 2014. Ronnie has been a great support for many other new starters at the running club and has helped some reach upto 13 miles from just 1. He is a huge asset to our running community and we all thought he was mad when he came across this challenge! In his own words ‘It's no secret that since I joined Harry's Rainbow Runners in 2013, I've become slightly obsessed with running - I've caught the bug big time for not only running, but also raising much needed money for a local charity who help bereaved children in and around Milton Keynes www.harrysrainbow.co.uk I've participated in numerous events during that time, including six half marathons & one full marathon, but now it's time to push my self that bit further... well A LOT further actually! And that's why I've signed up for this mammoth 100km run. I set off from Maida Vale, London at 7am & I have to make it to the finish line in Bletchley within 15hrs (although my personal aim is to complete it in 12hrs), yep that's right... I'm actually going to run from London to MK!? I've always felt quite confident when entering races, but this one does make me nervous. But I'm going to give it my all to smash this for Harry's Rainbow & myself! He took his training very seriously despite injuries he suffered along the way. On 27th June 2015 he undertook the marathon which began in London and took him along the grand union canal to Milton Keynes. Around halfway he suffered an injury which resulted in the medics advising him not to continue. However Ronnie would not be beaten. He strove to carry on along the course. He had some great support behind him from other Harrys Rainbow Runners team members and family and he finally finished the 100k in 14 and a half hours. He hobbled over the finish line barely being able to stand. His face was so full of emotion he had brought all of his spectators to tears. Not only did he succeed in this event but he raised well over £2000 for Harrys Rainbow! We have some fantastic footage of him and some great pictures. He has shown true spirit, determination and has become an inspiration to many others in the local community. We’re extremely proud of him!
Sarah White - Unsung Heroine
Sarah has set up a charity called Supershoes which empowers children across the UK fighting cancer. She has built up a team of super artists who custom paint 'Supershoes' incorporating the child's favourite things in the design. In less than 2 years Supershoes have delivered shoes to over 400 children. Sarah fundraises tirelessly to support Supershoes and unlike many charities was not set up following a personal experience of cancer. She simply wants to help children and their families who are fighting!
Steffi Place - Excellence in Education
! am nominating Steffi for this award because of all the volunteer work that she does. As an active Explorer Scout she is a Young Leader for Two Mile Ash Beavers and Scout sections and has recently completed her Young Leader award. She produces the ‘Scout Jam’ show every Monday evening on Secklow Sounds Community Radio along with some of her Explorer Scout friends. Steffi has also been selected to represent our country at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan this summer and has had to raise £2200 through fundraising. One of her fundraising activities was to climb the equivalent of Mount Fuji (3,776 metres) on the climbing wall at our local Scout Campsite in Cosgrove. She did this over two days at the end of March through sunshine, rain and a freak hailstorm. Whilst none of this may seem overly special Steffi has literally fought her way through school following exclusion after exclusion because she struggled with the school ethos. She managed to turn her schooling around after producing (a shock to many of the teachers at the Hazeley Acadamy) outstanding GCSE results and is now about to complete her first year of 6th form. Steffi is 17 and although a bright, outgoing individual Steffi has no self-confidence and doesn’t think that she has achieved anything in life. She suffers with stress and depression and lives in constant pain due to an issue with her knee. Despite all of this, the achievements that I have mentioned above are the reason that I nominate Steffi for this award. Other than Scouting her other interests include playing the guitar (acoustic and electric), Milton Keynes Scout & Guide Gang Show (of which she is a cast member), reading; her favourite authors include Darren Shan, Derek Landy and Suzanne Collins. She also loves going to the cinema and music especially Olly Murs and MUSE.
Teresa Diamond - Spirit Performing Arts - Excellence in Education and Unsung Heroine
They are a performing arts group helping low income parents still be able to afford lessons , not only that they have taken my son joshua on to there group who suffers a terminal illness , giving him so much joy and happiness encouraging him even on his bad days , I really can't thank the group for what they have done for joshua , they do countless charity events helping different charities including Joshua's hope raising lots for the community , it would really mean a lot to Josh to give something back
Spirit is an exciting and unique performing arts group based in Milton Keynes. We offer great inspiration and opportunities for children & young people, whilst helping communities blossom.
What sets Spirit apart from other Performing Arts Groups is that we know what the industry wants.
Our instructors are trained professionals who have worked in theatre, TV & Radio and understand what is needed to suceed.
We don't just teach our students a song or dance, we train them to sing, dance & perform.
We don't choose easy songs to make the children sound good, we select challenging pieces to stretch and develop their potential.
Spirit is a great way to help your children develop life skills and confidence whilst engaging with the local community.
As a non profit making organisation we are committed to helping children across the city enhance their talents for the better of the community. Our students not only receive great training, but also learn lifelong values of care and working together. Our aim, to help the youngers of Milton Keynes gain confidence, develop social skills and learn to have a real focus and commitment.
Students from Spirit take part in around 30 performances a year raising money for various charities and local communities. We also produce 2 full length shows which all youngsters get the chance to be a part of. Each year we choose a main charity to fundraise for and promote. We write and record an original track, which is released on iTunes, to support that charity. All students are invited to visit a professional recording studio and be featured in an accompanying video.
The children & young people can take part in as much or as little as they like and those who are looking for a career in Performing Arts are given the opportunity of auditions and professional work experience, so whether your child is looking for confidence, long lasting values or professional opportunities, you are guaranteed to find all you need at Spirit.
Terry and Julie Baines - Care in the Community
Terry and Julie and the Association have pulled together to help fire victims over the past few weeks, a sad situation was turned round by an appeal for furniture to help get these victims support in a very difficult time, so much was collected that Terry had to arrange extra storage. The Association goes above and beyond arranging clean up days, fun days Christmas fairs, and meetings with local agencies to resolve local issues, Fishermead is such a better place because of their work, Community spirit can be low but not for long when the Baines get stuck in, i have not worked on the patch for a year but keep in contact, i hope this nomination see's them through to a brilliant awards night in Oct,
Yvonne Galuszka - Unsung Heroine
I wish to nominate Yvonne Galuszka, a long-time resident of Wolverton, who saw an opportunity in 2004 to turn a disused, totally overgrown piece of land in Wolverton into a Community Orchard. While still working full-time in the nursing profession, she organised the clearing of the land and fund-raised to install attractive boundary railings, plant 20 or so mixed fruit trees and a mixed hedgerow which now provide a tranquil haven in the middle of Wolverton, open 24/7 for anyone to enjoy. Masterminding several fund-raising events every year, she gets members of the local community involved, including Wolverton Town Band, the Evangelist Church singers and a number of individual performers, supported by a loyal band of volunteers to help with refreshments, barbecues etc. These events are enjoyed by growing numbers of local families which has also resulted in new volunteers who help to keep the Orchard with its associated Sensory Garden and Allotments in good order. Local school groups and MK College classes also benefit from growing produce, observing the wildlife and the general enjoyment of the outdoors in this safe environment - all these activities also coordinated by Yvonne.
Yvonne never takes full credit for any of the activities, always referring to "team effort" but she is indeed the driving force behind everything that happens at Wolverton Community Orchard and deserves recognition for an amazing achievement and continuing development of the site and its facilities.
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