The Sussex Newspaper - Great news for a great county!

The first winners of the BBC Sussex Community Heroes Awards have been announced at a special ceremony at K2 in Crawley.

All of those who made it to the shortlist gathered on Thursday night (15th December) to find out whether or not they had scooped the top accolade.

Eight awards were handed out in categories recognising the likes of "Bravery", "Good Neighbour" and "Local Entrepreneur". In addition, there were two "Special Recognition Awards".

The awards were put together by BBC Sussex presenter Mark Carter, who was also Master of Ceremonies for the occasion. Mark said: "We're absolutely thrilled at the culmination of our first ever awards. It's been the result of several months of hard work behind the scenes, but it's all been worth it, when you hear the stories of those who were nominated".

Among the winners were…

PC Rachel Piggott from Sussex Police who won the 999 award. (pictured above)
Since taking up her post a year ago, Rachel has worked tirelessly to build bridges between the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community and the police.  She is well known in the city and is constant demand for her expertise.  The judges were impressed by the way PC Rachel Piggott has approached her role, giving up personal time to make a difference and in reducing hate crime.  They noted her work with the trans community to raise awareness and improve local relationships.  They were especially impressed by  PC Rachel Piggotts commitment to make a long lasting difference in writing a handbook for other officers on LGBT issues.

Sue Riley from the Positive Voices group, which raises funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust in Sussex won a special recognition award.
With no formal education on HIV and AIDS, Sue provides an invaluable and unique experience for the young people of Sussex to learn more about how HIV is spread and dispel myths that HIV only affects certain groups.  Sue is an inspiration to everyone, charming, dedicated to the cause and ambitious. Every year, Positive Voices gets more bookings, raises more money and reaches more young people than ever before.  The judges felt that Sue was a standout nominee whose work in the field of HIV was outstanding and she gives up her own time to make a significant difference to the lives of so many and is creating a personal legacy for change.

Lauren Gander from Bexhill on Sea who won the Young Person of Courage or Achievement award.
Lauren was born with spina bifida and doctors warned she may never walk, but she has gone on to defy all the odds.  In the last 4 years, Lauren has raised over £100,000 for various charities.  This started with a glider flight 3000 feet high above the skies and there’s been no stopping her since!  The judges said Lauren is a remarkable girl who has a brave and determined approach to living with a disability.   They were incredibly impressed by Lauren’s achievements and her selfless approach to help other children.

Graham Cridland from the West Sussex Angling Academy who won the Sports Award.
For the past five years, Graham Cridland has given much of his spare time to the West Sussex Angling Academy, teaching fishing to young people with a variety of special needs.  Graham shows great empathy towards the young people, which helps them to relax and enjoy the activity.  The judges loved the quiet and considered way Graham approaches the sport and the difference he makes to the lives of young people, starting with young people who have troubled lives, low self esteem and poor motivation to work with them to become calmer, more focussed individuals.  Graham gives up his own time and parents and schools have all said that he has had a transformational impact on young people.


Those attending the ceremony also included Mrs Susan Pyper, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, and Giles York, Deputy Chief Constable of Sussex Police.

Managing Editor of Nicci Holliday formed part of the judging panel and also gave a speech at the ceremony. Nicci commented: "We hope that this has been an early Christmas present for all of the unsung heroes from across the region. All of those who took part receive either a trophy or a certificate, so that they have something to remember the evening for a long time to come".