- 30/05/2025
All the winners at Worthing Community Awards 2025
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00:00Welcome to the 2025 Worthing Community Awards here at Rooms.
00:05The Best Sibling Award, and this is proudly sponsored by Enzo's Italian Restaurants.
00:11This award holds a special place in our hearts as it's presented in the memory of Millie,
00:17who bravely fought her battle with cancer at the age of 18.
00:22Now, Millie's courage and friendship inspired Melanie to create the Worthing Community Awards last year.
00:29So we continue to honour her legacy tonight.
00:33Now, on to the first award.
00:35This incredible young man became a brother at four years old to his sister,
00:41who was born prematurely and faced serious health challenges.
00:46He has been her biggest supporter, providing love, care and unwavering support.
00:52His dedication to raising awareness and fighting for her is truly commendable.
00:58Our first winner tonight, ladies and gentlemen, so I want a massive applause, please.
01:03The Best Sibling Award is Atticus Allen.
01:06Are you going to take this back tonight? Where are you going to put your award?
01:10Here I am.
01:11Of course you are. That's the best thing because it's yours to keep forever.
01:14So congratulations, mate. You're our first winner tonight.
01:16What a marvellous young man.
01:17Young Carer Award.
01:19And this is sponsored by the team at Worthing Carpet Cleaning Services.
01:24So thank you, Jim.
01:26Now, this award honours a young carer under the age of 18 who improves the life of an individual or family member through compassion and support.
01:37Now, our nominee, who, at just 11 years old, is an exceptional sister and a young carer to her 16-year-old brother,
01:48who faces severe cerebral pausing along with other challenges.
01:53Now, she is a young carer without even knowing it, offering him constant support and comfort.
02:00The winner tonight, ladies and gentlemen, of our Young Carer Award.
02:05Congratulations.
02:07Annabelle Parrott!
02:09Yes.
02:10Of course you know.
02:11And, like Atticus, are you going to put this in your resume?
02:14The Young Community Hero Award is next up.
02:17And this is sponsored by the team at Dharma Clinic.
02:20This recognises an individual under 18 who has made a significant impact in their community.
02:30Now, tonight, we honour a remarkable young person who has overcome her disabilities to become a champion for others.
02:40Despite her challenges, she is determined to make a difference, showing incredible dedication to her studies and sports.
02:49Recently, she established her own foundation to support athletes with disabilities, to bridge the gap between mainstream and disability sport.
03:01So, our winner tonight of the Young Community Hero Awards is Abby Payne.
03:08The surgeons told my parents that I was unlikely to walk.
03:14And now, here I am, 17 and a half years later.
03:16I've won the Premier League Disability Festival of Brighton Hill Army.
03:22And now, I just want to give other people in my same situation the opportunity in a safe and competitive way.
03:31What an amazing foundation of the Young Community Hero Awards.
03:33What an amazing foundation of sports teams of the year.
03:38And this is sponsored by Fix Your iPhone and Worming Town Inclusive.
03:43A remarkable organisation that truly embodies its name.
03:48With under-12s, under-16s, and a newly introduced adult section, they have created a comprehensive pathway for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the beautiful game of football in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment.
04:06At the heart of this initiative is an outstanding coach who has gone above and beyond to support every single player.
04:16His dedication and passion for inclusivity have fostered growth and encouraged countless individuals to thrive their love of football.
04:27The winner of the Sports Category and Sports Team Award for his unwavering support that he's made a profound difference in the lives of those he coaches.
04:38Ladies and gentlemen, our winner is Martin Cumber.
04:41That's a sport that I've played all my life.
04:46George is second in the room somewhere.
04:49Worthing football is also offered disability for adults.
04:54We were missing a children's team four years ago.
04:57I set it up at Worthing Town.
05:00And they'll be competing against them.
05:02Who wins?
05:03Fundraiser of the Year.
05:08And this is proudly sponsored by Jew Jam's Catering.
05:11And now at the Council Pub of Australia, now this recognises individuals and groups who have shown exceptional creativity, dedication, and success in organising and executing a fundraising event, our campaign.
05:27Now tonight, we recognise a fundraiser who, through her tireless efforts, has raised an incredible £150,000 for a local hospice.
05:40Despite facing her own health challenges last year, her commitment to fundraising has remained unwavering.
05:55So ladies and gentlemen, the winner this year of our Fundraiser of the Year is Maggie, Dad of the Year.
06:01Now this is sponsored by Froome, and it's dedicated to the memory of David Sawyer, the renowned Worthing photographer.
06:09He celebrates a distinguished father who has shown unwavering support, guidance, and the love of his children.
06:17Now this year, we recognise a devoted father to two beautiful children.
06:23His father has dedicated his life to providing 24-7 physical and emotional support to his children.
06:31One of whom has cerebral palsy, ensuring he receives the reassurance and care that he needs.
06:38He also prioritises his daughter's needs in their often challenging home environment.
06:44The winner of our dad at the ward this year is Martin Pellant, and Martin is the last Annabelle who won the young pair at the ward earlier.
06:55It's been a busy year in your household, and I would have thought, always a busy time in your household.
07:00Do you ever get a chance just to switch off?
07:03Occasionally.
07:04Good. Is this evening one of those evenings?
07:06No.
07:06It's not.
07:07I've been on 10th, I'll be honest with you.
07:10Really?
07:10Yeah.
07:10Yeah.
07:11For now, I'm out of my comfort zone, and I'm here under a bit of sufferance, really.
07:17But this is yours, and you are dad of the year.
07:20That's quite something.
07:21It's for these guys, really, because they're just amazing, and it makes it fun for me.
07:28Of course it does.
07:29The Disability Awareness Award, and this is sponsored by George Dow at MBE, and of course his brilliant team at Worthing Football Club.
07:37And to present the award tonight will be Jessica.
07:40This award honours an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the Worthing community while living with a disability.
07:50Now our nominee supports over 600 members with accessible technology and scam awareness.
07:58Now she provides a fully accessible monthly newsletter for members with visual impairments,
08:05and collaborates with rail and local bus services to ensure inclusivity.
08:12Additionally, she provides sighted guide training to numerous businesses in Worthing,
08:18equipping them to be better support in our community.
08:22So let's meet her.
08:23The winner of the 2025 Disability Award is Alison Bates.
08:30It would be the best thing to ever happen to me.
08:32Not just because of what it does for me, the confidence and the independence that I have within myself.
08:37It's the people around me who just fell there a few tables away.
08:41But it's what it does for other people.
08:43Because I've put myself out there, and I'm willing to be that person that allows themselves to fall for other people not to.
08:50It means I can't not do it anymore.
08:52I just have to keep carrying on at the end.
08:55I...
08:55I'm not for once.
08:57It's the Carer of the Year Award, and it's sponsored by Ros Cloak of our partners in wine, and Ros is with us tonight.
09:05This recognises an individual who enhances the lives of others through their helpfulness, compassion, and unwavering support.
09:14Tonight, we celebrate a nominee who has received many nominations from those he has cared for since 2017.
09:22His nominations highlight how he provides emotional support, creating a safe and nurturing environment for those in his care.
09:32Whether it's assisting with daily tasks, offering a listening ear, or providing encouragement during challenging times,
09:39he exemplifies what he means to be a true care carer.
09:46After leaving the police force, he joined this care company,
09:49where he has continued to provide exceptional care to many individuals as well.
09:54And I quote, being a first-class manager.
09:58So, basically, the winner of the Carer Award for this year is Chris Moore from Frontline Associates.
10:04Yeah, I've worked there for eight years now at Frontline Associates.
10:09I've just got to acknowledge the great team that I work with.
10:11I've got a team of 16 support workers.
10:13My wife, being one of them, he's filming me now.
10:16Yeah, wonderful loneliness, and yeah, it's just a great job.
10:20Gives a lot back to me.
10:22Seven days a week, busy man?
10:24Yeah, busy man, yeah.
10:25So, yeah, seven days a week.
10:27We work 365 days of the year supporting adults with additional needs to provide accommodation and support,
10:34which is helping them really make full participation in the communities, which is what is in the group.
10:39So, this award means a lot then?
10:40Yeah, it means a lot.
10:41Yeah, it means a lot.
10:42Obviously, you don't do it for all the awards, but it's nice to be going for it.
10:45The year, and this is sponsored by Riverside South Downs,
10:49and this award celebrates extraordinary mothers who exhibit unwavering love, strength, and dedication to their families.
10:57And this incredible month has shown remarkable strength and resilience after losing her partner to cancer in 2023.
11:08Balancing the challenges of raising twins who are preparing for their GCSEs and a younger daughter starting secondary school,
11:16all whilst working to support her family, has been no easy feat.
11:23In addition to her parenting duties, she ran the half marathon, raising funds for St Barnabas Hospice,
11:30and all her nominations that she said,
11:32this is an amazing woman and an incredible mother who continues to inspire those around her.
11:39So, let's meet her.
11:40The winner of the 2025 Monday Year Award, Georgie Kennard!
11:45Brian, what time did you get?
11:46Um, three hours?
11:49That's brilliant.
11:50That's brilliant.
11:51You're going to drive for two hours and thirty next year?
11:54I think I'll go.
11:56Oh, you're going to do it?
11:57Yeah, yeah.
11:58Excellent.
11:58Have you started training already?
11:59No.
12:00Well, when you're mumble the year, you've got enough going on in your house as well, haven't you?
12:04Raising a lot of money as well.
12:07It must have been great to do that, to get out there and to do some running and to have a bit of time for yourself?
12:11Yeah, it's been really nice.
12:13And obviously raising money to spend a lot of this year, let's talk to my parents and kids' dad.
12:18Yeah, so, yeah.
12:19That's important to you.
12:22It's important to us that you're mumble the year this year.
12:24Incredible lady.
12:25Sorry to meet you.
12:26Ladies and gentlemen, our Mumble of the Year.
12:28Volunteer of the Year Award and this is sponsored by Quality Quick Dry Cleaners and this award honours individuals who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering efforts, showcasing outstanding dedication and selflessness in giving back to the community.
12:47Now, for over 12 years, this remarkable lady has volunteered for a mental health charity.
12:54With a smile on her face, wherever she goes, she radiates warmth and positivity and her genuine kindness and commitment to helping others have provided hope and comfort to individuals facing their struggles.
13:09Through her selfless dedication, she has inspired many to seek help and find strength on their journey to mental wellbeing.
13:18Our Volunteer of the Year this year, congratulations, is Anne Slocum.
13:23I'm speechless.
13:25I thought you possibly might be, to be honest with you.
13:29You know, this is an amazing award to win.
13:31I'm sure there's people you love to talk about and love to thank and everything.
13:34I'd like to talk about the other 100 volunteers in the branch of where I volunteer.
13:41And which one's that?
13:43It is the worthy branch of Samaritans.
13:47Yeah.
13:49My fellow volunteer is Angie and she is the wind beneath my wings and has supported me from the day I went there.
14:03I don't really know what to say, so I'm not going to bore you because I've been gifted with living a long life.
14:14And amazing things happen if you still keep giving back to others.
14:20Yeah, it's very true.
14:22Community Hero Award and this is sponsored by the team from James & James Estate Agents.
14:28The award tonight honors an individual or group that has truly made a difference in the lives of others within their community.
14:37Tonight we recognize a remarkable lady who has dedicated her time to creating hand knitted items for various charities.
14:46This includes making hats and clothing for premature babies, chemo patients and individuals.
14:53And this wonderful initiative has brought together many caring individuals who contribute their time and talents to support those in need.
15:01So let's meet this amazing lady tonight.
15:04The winner of our Community Hero Award is Nikki Leggett.
15:0810,000 now.
15:1010,000?
15:11That's worth a round of applause.
15:16It's not just me.
15:18I started in lockdown.
15:21Sorry, there's six members.
15:23We're now over 90 members now.
15:25And yeah, this is for my angels.
15:29So thank you.
15:30So have you got someone else that's going to be displayed?
15:32I'll find a place.
15:34I thought you were to be honest with me.
15:37Congratulations.
15:38So our charity of the year this year, ladies and gentlemen, is going to be presented by the lady doing the photography tonight.
15:44Please welcome Vic.
15:45This award recognizes an organization that has made a significant impact on the community.
15:52Now, tonight we honor a progressive charity that champions the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
16:01The charity provides invaluable support, helping families navigate paperwork, budgeting and benefits critical services for those in need.
16:12And this amazing charity is truly making a difference by improving facilities and opportunities for individuals with learning difficulties.
16:23So the winner tonight, ladies and gentlemen, of the charity of the year is Worthy Makeup.
16:28Fantastic.
16:29How long have you been part of the team?
16:31Oh, about 20 years.
16:32Wow, okay.
16:33You've achieved a lot in 20 years.
16:34Yeah, we've been growing all the time.
16:36And what's coming up in the future?
16:37Probably a lot of events.
16:39We're doing more and more services to fill the gaps so they're not there in the community anymore.
16:43There's a lot of people out there in the learning disabled and autism community that need help and support.
16:49They've got various challenges and we're able to help them.
16:52And so there's always going to be a lot of work to be done in the grave, doing as much as we can.
16:56Incredibly rewarding for you for doing it for 20 years.
16:59Absolutely, yes.
17:00It's really satisfying to be able to give something back.
17:04But it's not just us who are here.
17:06There's a whole lot of us.
17:08And I'd like to dedicate this award to the amazing staff and volunteers who are absolutely marvellous.
17:14And they'll get out of all this charity.
17:17The Community Hero Award for Emergency Services.
17:21And this is sponsored by the A Star Group.
17:25This award celebrates the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to keep our community safe and secure.
17:33Now, it recognises dedication, also bravery and selfishness of those in our emergency services.
17:41Now, tonight we honour paramedics from CCAM who have gone above and beyond in their service.
17:50The nominees say, and I quote,
17:52After answering a 999 call from my son who had taken a drug overdose,
17:57they treated us with compassion and have since stayed in touch to help us raise awareness.
18:04They organised an ambulance to attend one of our fundraisers, bringing joy and support to the event.
18:11Furthermore, they have volunteered their time to be filmed discussing drug awareness for our workshop,
18:18helping us reach countless young people with our important message.
18:23So their commitment to supporting our community is truly commendable.
18:28So the winners tonight, ladies and gentlemen, of the Community Hero Award for Emergency Services,
18:34Jay and Jess!
18:36How are you?
18:36Quite too long.
18:37Oh, 22 years, I think.
18:40She's faced in Worthing.
18:42It's you at the Worthing Ambulance Station in Darrington.
18:44That's good.
18:45This is quite a special award, isn't it?
18:47You've really made a difference to people, haven't you?
18:50I like to think so.
18:51But it's not just, you know, caring at the time of need from a 999 call.
18:56It's all the after stuff that you both have done.
19:00It's been an absolute privilege.
19:02I mean, Nikki is the most amazing person on the planet.
19:07What she's done is incredible.
19:09You know, we're just privileged and really honoured to support the people beyond charity.
19:15You know, what I mean.
19:17It's just, you know, it's incredible.
19:19Judges' Choice Award tonight.
19:22So let's welcome our judges.
19:24Simon Margarone, Bob Spillerman, Greg Grundy and Nikki Parrish.
19:28This award is given to an individual who the judges believe has gone above and beyond
19:33the call of duty in their efforts to make a difference in the community.
19:37And tonight we celebrate a remarkable nominee who has dedicated nearly 50 years to her charitable
19:46work.
19:47She's been instrumental in the charity's development, runs one of the busiest activity
19:53sessions every Friday, and meticulously coordinates community fundraising efforts.
19:58Her immense commitment truly deserves recognition.
20:02to the winner tonight of the Judges' Choice Award, Janet Williamson.
20:09You're the winner.
20:10How do you feel?
20:11I'm shocked, to be honest.
20:13To get charity of the year, I've just...
20:17My blood runs for Werther Manecap.
20:19You know, I'm Werther Manecap through and through, and have been for 48 years.
20:25And I love everyone in it.
20:27So, yeah.
20:28I'm just very grateful for this.
20:31And absolutely shocked.
20:33Well, it's an amazing honour.
20:35In 48 years we won charity, it must mean a lot to you.
20:38Well, I've seen lots of changes, and some for the better, but we just enjoy ourselves.
20:47And, um, Fridays are the best day of the week for me.
20:50I run a, um, session for four hours and get lots of people in.
20:57Never know who's turning up, but, you know, different activity every week.
21:01Well, when we met the guys here at the charity a moment ago, such a fantastic amount of people
21:06that work and do fantastic work with the charity.
21:09You're just one of them, but you've got the award.
21:11Yes, um, you know, I do.
21:14Everyone helps us, and, um, there are a lot of volunteers and stuff.
21:20And, you know, I'm just absolutely speechless.
21:23I was not expecting this at all.
21:26The Community Impact Award, and this is sponsored by Rocket Social Media.
21:31New award, then, for the judges.
21:33And Mel put in at the last minute, so we did it after many, many entries.
21:38Now, this award recognises an individual whose efforts are profoundly impacting the community.
21:44And this remarkable person has dedicated her time and energy to supporting those around her,
21:50creating spaces for connection and conversation.
21:54Now, despite judging and juggling two young children, a husband and a job,
22:00she selflessly gives her time to help others, making her an invariable asset to the community.
22:07Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and ability to listen have provided a lifeline for many,
22:13ensuring that no one feels alone during challenging times.
22:17So, the winner this year, ladies and gentlemen, of the Community Impact Award is Lamona Parnell.
22:23I'm shaking.
22:25And I have got three other members of the team along, as well, that I couldn't have done it without.
22:31Hey, who are you?
22:32We've got Sue, who runs our daytime walks, or wherever you want your walks.
22:36Janet, who is our chief paparazzi, and Mark, who is very much a teammate for myself.
22:42Um, just, yeah, incredible. It's, it's been a wonderful, what, fourteen, fourteen months?
22:49Fourteen months at all?
22:51Fourteen months of running walks along the seafront, um, and I set up a women's group,
22:55as well, it's called HERD, to try and encourage women to speak up and feel safe,
22:59have their voices heard.
23:01Yeah, oh, I'm really safe.
23:03How often do you do walks?
23:05Uh, every week.
23:06Every week.
23:07Any particular day?
23:08Well, um, Sue runs the Mondays and Friday mornings, and then I run Wednesday evenings,
23:13and then sort of ad-hoc walks as and when people want to join in.
23:17Teacher of the Year, and this is sponsored by the Fisherman Society.
23:21There are many Teacher of the Year nominations again this year,
23:25but only one stood out with heartfelt support from his pupils.
23:31Now, this exceptional maths teacher consistently finds ways to challenge students,
23:37encouraging them to think critically and creatively.
23:41He has cultivated a classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up,
23:47fostering respect and collaboration among peers.
23:51Now, beyond the classroom, this teacher has gone the extra mile
23:55by helping students progress in their interests, such as a new hobby,
23:59and has inspired them to follow their dreams.
24:03Now, the Teacher of the Year this year is from St Andrews High School,
24:07and is Mr. Galman.
24:09This is the Outstanding Contribution to Worthing Award,
24:13and it's sponsored by Worthing Pride.
24:16This award recognises an individual whose relentless giving
24:20has made a significant impact on our community.
24:24And this remarkable person has generously sponsored numerous sports teams in Worthing,
24:30and has been a guiding light for many families navigating the pain of grief.
24:36He has provided invaluable support to various charities and organisations throughout Worthing,
24:42organising multiple fundraising events, including quizzes, sports days and cold washes.
24:48His amazing contributions also include connecting with the player liaison at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club,
24:56and allowing children and young people to create unforgettable memories and meet beloved players.
25:02Now, with countless nominations, as you would expect, and heartfelt stories of gratitude,
25:07it is clear that his impact is profound.
25:11Ladies and gentlemen, the Outstanding Contribution to Worthing Award,
25:14Mr. Ian Hart!
25:15What does that mean to you?
25:17Everything. Thank you.
25:19Um, there's a lot of people in this room that thanked me, um, when I needed it,
25:25and they've supported me, and a lot of people have believed in me,
25:28and asked me to look after their families at very difficult times.
25:31I couldn't have done it without a family, two of them that are here,
25:34and I couldn't have done it without all my team at my office.
25:38I couldn't have done it without the people at Worthing, so thank you very much.
25:41What I mean?
25:43You want to go up in a football club, you love, don't you?
25:45Yes, yeah, but I do love Worthing Football Club as well.
25:47Yeah!
25:49I got my choice involved many years ago, but, um, when we were going out of business,
25:53so, there's another champion there.
25:55I've kept the football club going, and we will go up in a way.
25:59Yeah!
26:00Quite frankly, we've had it up and down the season, it's been good, it's been bad,
26:05and it's been ugly, but to beat Spurs twice has just made it.
26:09Yeah!
26:10And, um, can I just mention one more person, Greg Grundy is a big, big factor in my career,
26:17because he told me 22 years ago to go for it, so Greg, this is for you as well.
26:22Aww!
26:23I'd like to welcome Joe Sullivan up onto the stage.
26:26Joe's going to say a few words about the charity's Superstar Arts.
26:31Um, yeah, just fortunately, um, we were fortunate enough to win charity of the year last year,
26:38which has been amazing, and it's really helped with our fundraising, um, having that behind us,
26:43and, you know, on grant applications.
26:45That's very handy.
26:46And, firstly, I just wanted to thank Melanie for creating the Word and Community Awards,
26:51and for being such a supportive ally of Superstar Arts over the last few years.
26:56Thank you very much.
26:57I just wanted to tell you just a very brief little bit about Superstar Arts,
27:09and I co-founded Superstar Arts 13 years ago,
27:12and we were supporting just a dozen adults then with learning disabilities,
27:16and now we support 60 adults, and we run five days a week, 51 weeks of the year,
27:22delivering creative and work-based learning products.
27:25Sorry for the project. Sorry.
27:27We are a small local charity which has had to grow over the years
27:31due to a huge increase in demand for the service we provide,
27:35and we couldn't have grown without community support from people like Melanie and yourselves,
27:40who recognise how hard it is to keep a small charity like ours going,
27:45where money costs are forever increasing.
27:48It can be a really big challenge, but I have an amazing team of staff,
27:53and volunteers, and trustees, and they help to make even the most difficult days good days.
28:00So I just want to thank them as well, so thank you.
28:08Lots of thank yous, but I also want to thank just every single person that is here tonight,
28:14and because showing up and showing your support for wonderful community events like this
28:20that help raise funds for charity is just invaluable,
28:23and you are here tonight making a difference, and it's so important, so thank you.
28:29So lastly, what I hope for Superstar Arts has always been for the last 30 years
28:34is that one day we would be self-sustainable and less reliant on fundraising
28:38and have to write endless grant applications to fill the £20,000 gap in our running costs.
28:46It's a dream, but I've never given up hope.
28:49And so tonight it's just a little plea, if you can help us.
28:53We have a little shop on South Street in Taring that sells amazing products,
28:57and we have some of them here tonight, so please come and have a little look
29:01and see some of the wonderful things that our guys design and screen print.
29:06We're always looking for new stockists, so if there's anyone here that can stock our cars,
29:11please help us out, take us on.
29:13We have an online shop, please use us for your gifts.
29:17And also pop in and use our little coffee bar at West Worthing Baptist Church,
29:23because we've got really good internet, and it's great,
29:26and our coffees are only £2.20.
29:28And also, if you can sponsor our minibus, we'll put your name on it, all over it.
29:36It costs a lot of money to run our minibus, it costs £2,000 a year.
29:40And it's so important to get our guys out in the community,
29:43and to go to galleries, and go to nature reserves, and just be part of the community.
29:48So keeping it on the roads is a really big part of what we do.
29:51So if you could consider sponsoring our minibus, we'd be really grateful.
29:55There's information on all of your tables about that.
29:58And lastly, you've got, we made our guys here,
30:02they made the little pondong bouquets on your tables.
30:07It's for somebody who I can't think of deserves this more than anyone else.
30:14It's somebody who's a really good friend, a really good colleague,
30:18and somebody I think really deserves it.
30:21Which is why it's pink, really.
30:23Because he is, the manager and director of Rocket Social Media.
30:28Please give a massive word of applause,
30:30and the founder of the Royal Community Awards,
30:33Miss Melanie Peters!
30:35Miss Melanie Peters!
30:45Firstly, I want to thank James and Shelley, Millie's mum and dad, for allowing me to do this together.
30:51Again.
30:54And thank you for me, I didn't believe that this would be as big as well as it is.
31:01And look, thank you, Edwin.
31:03Logan deserves a so great gift in this town, and I'm proud to be one of them.
31:09Good night.
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