Pride In Breckland

Breckland Heroes honoured at Community Awards

Bravery, generosity and selfless devotion were rewarded on Friday evening when the people who are the Pride of Breckland received their awards. Heroes and heroines, entrepreneurs and businesspeople, community workers and volunteers laughed and cried together at the award ceremony held at Lynford Hall near Thetford.

Compere for the evening was Simon Weston, who, after surviving horrific injuries sustained during combat in the Falklands War, has shown physical, mental and spiritual bravery to overcome adversity.

The Welsh hero gave an inspiring address to the audience and said: "You only succeed if you invest in yourself. If you believe in yourself you can achieve anything.

"I have been the recipient of many awards and I know how special they were to me. I hope they will mean the same to you."

A woman dedicated to improving the Wayland area, a brave little boy and an Olympic hopeful were just some of Breckland’s heroes and heroines to be recognised on the night.

The audience were shown brief videos of each of the winners in action and those who nominated them saying why they were so special.

Winner after winner went up to collect their awards from a range of dignitaries including Norfolk's champion boxer Jon Thaxton, senior officers from the Light Dragoons Army regiment and RAF Marham local police and South West Norfolk MP Christopher Fraser and Viscountess Knollys, the High Sheriff of Norfolk.

Many recipients said they had never thought about getting recognition for their work but the applause from the audience demonstrated how much they were appreciated.

Jan Godfrey, from the Wayland Partnership, won the Top Achiever for her part in helping to refurbish the town centre and bringing lots of external funding to the area.

74 year old Frank McKenzie from Thetford was awarded the safer breckland trophy for his commitment to improving the Abbey Estate and people say he is "truly what community spirit is all about."

A young boy, Elliott Scoffield from Thetford received the Child of Courage award. He

was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just three and given just a 5pc chance of survival. In the past eight years he has had numerous operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy but despite everything he has always remained a happy and kind child.

Set up by students three years ago, Eco Bugs, at Wayland Community High School, in Watton, walked off with the Greener Breckland award for making the school a greener place.

Sister Emilia Birck in her 50^th year as a nun,  described by some as "the mother to those in need from all nationalities" was presented with the Carer of the Year award for her endless work offering advice and guidance to those in need.

Alpine ski racer Marcus Williams, from East Harling, competes in his sport throughout Europe, and this winter he has been selected for the British Children's Ski Team.

Last year the 12-year-old won the Eastern Region Ski Association Summer League Series despite missing three races due to breaking one of his wrists. He is being tipped as having real Olympic potential.

Outstanding friend and neighbour Sandra Phillips, from Thetford, scooped the Good Friend and Neighbour award. She organises numerous fundraising events including an annual Christmas project to send presents to needy children around the world.

Anti-bullying group Just Smile, from Shipdham, set up by teenagers Neola, Ellice and Ria Bush and Harriet Gilford won the Community Group of the Year award. The group has established an anti-bullying campaign which has been taken to different schools throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. Just Smile has also raised funds for Smile Boxes for schools which pupils can post their name in if they are being bullied and need support.

Breckland Council leader William Nunn said: "I have been inspired by what I have seen tonight. We applaud and celebrate some of the remarkable contributions that Breckland people are making both within their local communities and across society.

"We are extremely proud of the strong community spirit that exists throughout the district and it is great to see such a wide range of people here today."