Local heroes celebrated at the Luminus Community Inspiration Awards

Published by Gemma Payne for Luminus Group in Communities

Local people who have been going the extra mile to help people in the community were celebrated at the first Luminus Community Inspiration Awards.

Held in association with the Hunts Post, five awards were presented in five categories: Good Neighbour, Community Achievement, Outstanding Leadership, Inspirational Parents and Perseverance Among Young People.

The uplifting and inspirational event welcomed the finalists, sponsors, judges and local dignitaries, including Mayor of Huntingdon Alan MacKender-Lawrence, Mayor of St Ives Martin Collier and Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council Jeff Dutton, to Brook House for a champagne reception, musical performances and the award ceremony.

The inspirational winners were:
• Good Neighbour (sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors): Mark Underwood and Christine Cahill. Mark and Christine have regularly help ill neighbour Mary with jobs in the home and garden that she is unable to do, provide lifts to appointments and emotional support.
• Community Achievement (sponsored by T Clarke East): June Wilson. June is President of Brampton Day Care Scheme which arranges day trips and other social events for elderly people. The Scheme brings joy and pleasure to their lives and respite to their carers.
• Inspirational Parents (sponsored by EACS): Alison Watson. Alison, whose fourth child Freya was born with Down’s Syndrome, set up the Small Steps group for children with Down’s. The group provides the children with fun learning opportunities, as well as support for their parents.
• Perseverance Among Young People (sponsored by Cooks Volkswagen): Amy Hogg. Amy’s sister Louise, has Down’s Syndrome and has speech and behavioural difficulties. Amy helps Louise with her personal care and day-to-day activities but still works hard at school and in her extra-curricular activities.
• Outstanding Leadership (sponsored by C&S Builders): Georgina Corley. Georgina produces a vibrant and informative newsletter for the people of Eynesbury. This valuable and inspiring community resource would not be what it is without Georgina’s tireless leadership.

Every finalist received a certificate and a medal celebrating their achievements and the five winners were presented with their awards by Luminus Group Chief Executive Chan Abraham and a representative from the sponsor of their category.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham said,

“At Luminus we are committed to help change the world where we are as we seek to progress on our Road to Renewal. These wonderful local people have shown how it is possible to make the difference where they are, inspiring others, overcoming difficulties and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society. We are delighted that, in partnership with our sponsors, we have been able to celebrate their achievements and encourage other people to follow their example. The Luminus Community Inspiration Awards were a great success and we hope to continue recognising local people’s success next year.”