MP Matt Western honours Warwick and Leamington's unsung heroes - The Leamington Observer

MP Matt Western honours Warwick and Leamington's unsung heroes

Leamington Editorial 9th Mar, 2022   0

UNSUNG heroes in Warwick and Leamington have been recognised by MP Matt Western.

The annual MP Awards for Community Excellence ceremony received more than 100 nominations, from which the judges selected eight winners.

The Warwick and Kenilworth Primary Care Network (PCN) and Leamington PCN vaccination teams took home Special Recognition Awards.

Both teams have delivered hundreds of thousands of jabs and hit ambitious targets of delivering nearly 30,000 boosters accumulatively over Christmas.




Their efforts, including those of a dedicated team of volunteers, have helped Warwick district to achieve a high vaccination rate of 77.6 per cent of people having received two jabs.

Warwick and Kenilworth PCN strategic manager and vaccine lead Ryan Smith said: “We are extremely grateful for receiving this award and I know all the NHS staff, admin team and volunteers are humbled by the kind gesture and it is very nice to be recognised in this way.


“We never thought we would still be vaccinating 18 months after we began but are proud of this achievement and happy to serve our wonderful community.”

The Team Award went to the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and particularly the first responders to the major fire at Leeson Polyurethanes in Leamington last August.

One firefighter, a former Afghanistan veteran, said it was the scariest and most dangerous situation he had been involved in since he returned from war.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service Asst Ch Fire Officer Rob Allen said: “I’m honoured to receive the award on behalf of the service.

“The fire was complex, extremely challenging, and protracted, requiring a response from multiple agencies.

“The teams involved were incredible. They showed immense bravery and professionalism.”

The three Individual Award winners included the SYDNI Centre’s Lilian Brocklehurst, a tireless volunteer who cares for many of its visitors – and who has raised hundreds of pounds for local charities.

The second individual winner was the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts’ Janette Eslick who helped raise £1.1million for the group’s new headquarters after the previous facility was burned down.

The final individual winner was Warwickshire Pride chair Daniel Browne whose work with the organisation has supported many including through mental health and hate crime support groups – and delivering parcels to vulnerable people during the pandemic.

The Community Group Award went to the Brunswick Hub for providing mental health support, vital food parcels and a safe space for residents to come together all year round.

Myton Hospices won the Business Award for supporting 1,400 people living with terminal illnesses despite the dangers to staff during the pandemic.

Mr Western said: “I’d like to commend all those who were nominated and shortlisted – everyone deserved recognition for their services.

“Naturally, I want to praise the winners for their exceptional efforts to help the Warwick and Leamington community during another extremely challenging 12 months.

“You have clearly touched the lives of many in our community and supported or brought joy to those who nominated you.

“You are a credit to yourselves and to our area.”

A full video of the event is available on Mr Western’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and on his website.

* Brunswick Hub key staff members were ill with Covid so were unavailable for a picture.

 

 

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Advertising

Advertise with the Leamington Observer to reach your audience

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.