Charnwood Celebrates Its Community Heroes for 2025
Charnwood recognised the people that go above and beyond in their communities at an annual awards ceremony.
Charnwood Community Heroes celebrates the work which people have carried out in the borough and thanks them for their tireless efforts.
The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 6th September at Burleigh Court in Loughborough where over 50 heroes were recognised.
EEM, a not-for-profit procurement consortium that offers cost and efficiency savings for the public sector, was the headline sponsor for this year’s Charnwood Community Heroes.
Local radio station, Fosse 107 also supported the awards ceremony with Mark O’Sullivan as host.
From litter-pickers and youth mentors to trustees and green champions, the event celebrated everyday heroes whose acts of kindness and dedication have helped shape a stronger, more compassionate borough.
Cllr Liz Blackshaw, lead member for communities at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We celebrated the heartbeat of Charnwood at this awards ceremony – its people. These heroes remind us that community is built by people who care, act, and inspire.”
Below is a list of the 2025 Charnwood Community Heroes:
Young Hero (sponsored by Loughborough College)
? Caitlin Moses
? Mohaned Hassouna
? Will Ferguson
Super Trooper
? Robert James Butler (Sileby Flood Wardens)
? Richard Oldham (Sileby Flood Wardens)
? David Hackett (Syston)
? Cynthia Ann Palmer
? Rosie Houldsworth
? Kath Parker
? Carl Travis Roberts
? Mary Downs
? Christine Moody
? Geoff Wainwright
? Jim Wellington
? Craig Jordan
? Alison Chattaway
? Natalie Wilbraham
Inspiring Others (sponsored by Digital Planning)
? David Roulston
? Margaret Folwell
? Sue Fosey
? Craig Sawbridge
? Jon Meadows
? Jemma Bagley
? Diana Yaskevych
? Alina Blyzniuk
? Oksana Kapiton
? Ben Stockley
? Amanda Bolton
? David Murray
? Vivienne Holmes
Green Hero (sponsored by Idverde)
? Ben Mondair
? Janet Smith
? Saraih Jones
? Loz Pepper
? Janina Holubecki
? Ann-Marie Donaldson
? Louise Fletcher
Brilliant Board / Trustee Member (sponsored by 1284 Communications)
? Gary Siddons
? Rebecca Martin
? Nicci Ilett
? Alexandra Lang
Beyond the Call of Duty
? Joanne Sanders
? Sean Baker (Syston)
? Anthony Marvin
? Jacob Nelson
? Rana Rajput
? Aaron Hira
? Meg Bezzano-Griffith
? Helen Carter
Business Community Action (sponsored by Howes Percival)
? Thermo Fisher Scientific
? DIAM
? Noble Events team of volunteers
The Harry Cook Award is awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community. It was chosen by Harry’s family. Harry, along with wife Pat, was heavily involved in Loughborough in Bloom and their floral home not only featured on the bloom judging route but also on BBC Gardener’s World. Harry sadly died in 2018. Pat is the chair of the Loughborough in Bloom Board.
The winner of the Harry Cook Award for 2025 was Ann-Marie Donaldson for her unwavering dedication to outdoor education, sustainability, and the wellbeing of local children as the driving force behind the forest school at St Winefride’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Shepshed.
Lucy Howes, vice principal, learner services and quality at Loughborough College, sponsor of the Young Hero award, said: “There are so many fantastic people out there doing vital work for communities, so events like this are so important. They deserve their time to shine and it has been brilliant to have been involved.”
James Ferraby, co-director of Digital Planning, sponsor of the Inspiring Others category, added: “Hearing the stories shared by people so committed to strengthening Charnwood inspires us all.
“We’re proud to help celebrate those who dedicate time and energy to our community, and the Council for staging a great awards event to bring the community together and highlight great achievements in Charnwood.”
Amy Orton, account director at 1284 Communications, sponsor of the Brilliant Board/Trustee Member award, said: “We’ve supported Charnwood Community Heroes from its launch a few years back and it continues to put a spotlight the key contribution made by volunteers and trustees in our area.
“They are driving real change, supporting charities, and collaborating in a way which gives so much to our area.”
The Business Community Action category was sponsored by specialist solicitors Howes Percival. Justine Flack, a partner at Howes Percival, said: “From businesses to individuals, this event has showcased the amazing community spirit in Charnwood. Long may it continue.”
idverde, the Council’s open spaces partner, sponsored the Green Hero category. Nicola Clarke, community engagement officer at idverde, said: “I would like to thank all the heroes celebrated today for the wonderful work they carry out. It was amazing to be at the ceremony and listen to their stories.”
For photos from the event, please visit the Council’s Flickr album.
You can read all stories of local heroes by visiting the Charnwood Community Heroes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CharnwoodCommunityHeroes.