After months of waiting, hundreds of nominations, and some tough decisions, the winners of the EDP Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards 2022 can be revealed!
The event was kicked off by regional editor, Richard Porritt, at Norwich Cathedral on Thursday, December 1.
Supported by headline sponsor, Hopkins Homes, the event welcomed a whole host of stars from around the region.
Mr Porritt said: "These awards are really rather special because the people nominated are all really rather special.
"Often award ceremonies mark commercial success, or sporting prowess – all very admirable - but what these winners and nominees do is put others before themselves and they ask for nothing in return.
"They make lives better. They make communities better.
"This is the first time I have been involved in the Stars of Norfolk and Waveney Awards and reading through the nominations stunned me.
"None of the finalists put in the graft for an award though. They do it for love.
"I know I speak for the whole region when I say a huge 'thank you'."
Lee Barnard, of Hopkins Home, added: "You are all amazing and have done some extraordinary things.
"I have read all the submissions and was blown away by the stories of heroism, thoughtfulness, and life-saving acts of bravery."
So, without further ado, here are all our winners and finalists:
Animal Hero of the Year, sponsored by Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Winner - Jack Brock
Jack Brock, of Wymondham, is a miniature Shetland pony who was rescued as a foal from a traveller’s fair in the Cotswolds. His owner, Ali, spotted him in a paddock aged three; he is now 18.
He has visited care homes voluntarily for more than seven years. He first started fundraising for dementia in 2019 and his Just Giving page has raised more than £20,000 with several more thousand raised before that.
He is an ambassador for Dementia UK and the funds he raises stay within Norfolk.
His owner, Ali Stern, said she was “elated” he had been nominated.
She added: “Lots of our visits leave us very sad as we often visit under-funded homes to help give something to these lovely people suffering from an awful illness. Navigating narrow corridors and often going in lifts too can be stressful but Jack manages well.
“We are so thrilled to be recognised in this way.”
Finalist – Margot
Margot, of north Norfolk, is an assistance dog to 11-year-old Eva. Eva has complex medical needs, learning disabilities and autism, and finds it difficult to navigate day-to-day life due to significant anxiety and sensory needs.
Margot supports her both at home, at hospital appointments and out and about, reducing her anxiety levels significantly. She will distract Eva, cuddle up to her, put her head on her lap, and provide pressure to help relax her.
Eva tells everybody that Margot is her best friend.
Laura Palmer, Eva’s mum and Margot’s owner, said: “She really is a dog in a million.”
Finalist – Redwings Rourke
Rourke, a heavy horse, was the perfect plasma donor when Coral fell ill. Coral, a piebald mare, came to Redwings as part of a welfare case. She went downhill quickly and needed urgent supportive care.
Redwings veterinary surgeon Dawn Trayhorn said: “She wouldn’t have survived without the intensive care she was given, and the plasma from Rourke was vital in getting her to turn the corner.
“Coral is now doing great.
“Rourke did really well during the procedure and had lots of TLC and yummy dinners afterwards, before being returned to his friend group too. He’s a real animal hero.”
Carer of the Year, sponsored by Norwich Evening News
Winner - Tilly Hunt
Tilly Hunt, of Lowestoft, has worked as a carer for many years for both the elderly and those with learning disabilities, until she had to give up work to look after her disabled husband and autistic son.
Three years ago, she also became a full time carer for her uncle, who has dementia, his wife, who had bpd and bowel cancer and has since died, and her mother-in-law who has COPD and is on oxygen.
“I was overwhelmed that I had even been nominated, let alone selected as a finalist. It makes it all worthwhile to know you are appreciated.”
Finalist - Meadow House Nursing Home
The Meadow House Nursing Home team, based in Swaffham, take on many extra hours and are key workers to the residents. They go above and beyond in their roles to make sure its service users are happy, healthy, and that the families are constantly updated on their loved ones.
A spokesperson for the home said: “We are a team here, not just a group of individuals who come together. It’s a job we all love but to be recognised and rewarded in this way is both humbling and an honour for us all.”
Finalist - Naomi Daglish
Naomi Daglish works as an activity coordinator at Woodstock Care Home in Gressenhall, near Dereham.
She said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be part of some truly amazing individual’s lives and to share with them highs and lows, their heartache and their joy.
“This role has given me the opportunity to work in partnership with some inspiring organizations and charities such as The Prince’s Trust and Living Words, to help improve the lives of countless individuals.
“I am truly honoured to be part of their lives and to strive to give them a reason to smile every day.”
Finalist - Rachel Amiss
Rachel Amiss, works at Hill Barn in Sparham, and has worked within health and social care for more than 30 years.
She said: “Although very difficult, it is a privilege and a very rewarding job.
“Some of the people I care for have led very interesting lives and I learn so much from them.
“I would be so proud to think I can make a difference, even if it is a smile. I like to support the individual as well as their families and loved ones to ensure they can receive the best care possible.”
Charity Hero of the Year, sponsored by K Foley Ltd trading as McDonald’s
Winner - Danny Moloney
The 52-year-old, of Norwich, was nominated for his efforts raising more than £1m for charities and, most recently, helping children diagnosed with cancer.
He said: “One child I helped went to America for a vaccine. It was after raising more than £300,000 for that child and now they are thriving.
“I am currently trying to raise the money to get another child there for the same treatment and nothing will stop me from achieving that.”
Mr Moloney has organised multiple events from charity balls, pop concerts, music festivals and boxing shows, as well as walking a marathon with just four weeks' notice.
“I am always being told what I do is impossible. However, I have never not hit a target.”
On winning, he added: “I was incredibly honoured to be selected as a finalist, especially as 10 different people chose to nominate me.
“I have never done anything to seek rewards as my biggest reward is for the children I am helping to recover.”
Finalist - Jayne Biggs
Jane Biggs, voluntarily raises money to provide and install public access defibrillators across Norfolk and Suffolk.
She said: “My passion is for defibrillators to be available 24-7 and not shut away behind closed doors. I have placed over 200 public access defibrillators locally and two lives have been saved so far.
“I also provide free CPR and defibrillator training in schools, clubs and the community so people are not frightened to use a defibrillator if needed in an emergency.
“I am very flattered that people took the time to nominate me. It is lovely to feel appreciated.”
Finalist - Kelly Lindsay
Kelly Lindsay, the founder of Friend in Deed, used £20,000 of her own money to set up the charity five years ago. It is now thriving by supporting hundreds of older people in care homes by connecting them to children and the community.
Babies and toddlers visit care homes to reduce loneliness and promote kindness. The charity also works with local schools.
The difference to older people’s wellbeing, including those living with dementia, is incredible. Children also benefit significantly from the interactions.
She said: “Our work being recognised helps remind us just how valuable the work that we do is.”
Finalist - Sofia Honey Adcock
Sofia Honey Adcock, of Norwich, had raised around £7,000) for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to make it a better place for other boys and girls.
She said: “When I was diagnosed with cancer aged five, there wasn’t anything to do whilst I had lots of long days in hospital.
“I imagined it to be a place where children can go and the time goes fast whilst they’re playing games or watching movies. I have big plans to keep changing the way the hospital is as when I went there was only baby toys.
“I feel so lucky and grateful that people nominated me."
Education Hero of the Year, sponsored by Step Teachers
Winner - Rebecca Wicks
Rebecca Wicks is the headteacher of The Clare School in Norwich, a complex needs school for pupils with physical and sensory disabilities and life-limiting and life-threatening medical conditions.
Ms Wicks took over as acting headteacher just two months before Covid struck, something she described as “a test of resilience”.
She added: “We have delivered food parcels, activity boxes, organised to take pupils out during holidays and weekends so parents could go shopping, provided covid safe holiday activities when the world was effectively shut for our pupils and families, delivered online bedtime stories, taught lessons through conservatory windows, organised parent wellbeing meetings after bed time and so on.
“All of this was done whilst also supporting staff to remain at home with their own children and ensuring that we looked after the whole Clare School community as best we could.
"Throughout this extremely stressful time, I have continued to try to make our 120-year-old school better for our pupils, raising money, organising building works and applying for grants. The fundraising total now is around £600k in just over two years, which is making such a difference.
“Life is very short for some of our pupils, so every day has to be simply fabulous.”
Finalist - James Cavender
James Cavender, of Rackheath Primary School, has worked in primary schools for more than 14 years.
He said: "I believe that building strong relationships with these little ones is the most important part and I have always worked hard to do this to help them to flourish.
“During lockdown, I strived to get all children engaged through my online lessons, even holding ‘Funky Fridays’ with dressing up, games, a family quiz and discos to get as many of my class engaged – it led to some amazing hairstyles too!
“To be highlighted as a hero really brings a smile to my face.”
Finalist - Maria Grimmer
Maria Grimmer, is the headteacher of St Nicholas Priory Primary School.
She said: “I truly believe that every interaction is an opportunity to facilitate development in others, build a positive enabling culture and to drive an agenda of hope and aspiration.
“I work with exceptional colleagues who not only have the vision but often make the impossible possible.
“Over the course of my career, I have met many exceptionally talented and dedicated educational professionals who relentlessly go over and above for the children and communities.
“When I heard that I had nominated for the award, I felt extremely humble and grateful.”
Finalist - Sam McCann
Sam McCann, of Aylsham, is the Oak Class teacher at Cawston Primary Academy in north Norfolk.
She said: “I represent all hard working and passionate teachers who go the extra mile daily to educate, inspire and meet the needs of the children in our care.”
Mrs McCann’s passion for teaching extends to supporting a remote school in the Malaysian rainforest, which she visited last August. She continues to support them by raising money to provide a hot school lunch.
She added: “I felt very emotional to be nominated, as for anyone working in education our job is demanding and it is not often that teachers receive recognition for the long hours, care, and attention that goes into doing this job. I now feel proud, as well as truly humbled and honoured.”
Lifetime Commitment to the Community Award, sponsored by Norwich Theatre
Winner - Timothy Thirst
Timothy Thirst, of Happisburgh, joined Stalham Brass Band 60 years ago becoming its director of music 25 years ago and building a band room himself to save the band renting a hall.
He said: “I have given free music tuition and instrument loan to hundreds of school children over many years.”
In 1987, he was appointed Magistrate in Adult and Youth courts and retired in 2020. He has also been an ambulance first responder since 2009 and a St John Ambulance volunteer Covid and Flu vaccinator since 2020, an emergency services volunteer since 1970, later coordinating emergency response between volunteer groups and the statutory emergency services during disaster relief. In 1980, he coordinated a relief convoy to Italy after the Irpinia earthquake.
He added: “Sometimes volunteering can be hard, fitting it in around everything else over so many years, so it's very nice to feel recognized and appreciated.”
Finalist - Gez Chetal
Gez Chetal, of Thetford, has helped others to succeed in life.
He said: “Having come from a very tough background in my younger life I was helped tremendously by my employers and various directors to get me on the right track to become successful for my future.
“So, I decided in my late teens that I would love to help people succeed in life and I would give back to society, which is why I work with all local charities and any individuals that need a helping hand.
“I don’t do my volunteer work for rewards as my rewards are to see that I have made a difference for someone. But it's been a joy to get recognition.”
Finalist - Lyn Mary Fairchild
During the Covid pandemic, she made nurses wash bags for local hospitals and later 2,000 face masks raising over £7,000 in voluntary donations.
Living near Cawston Primary School she created a “four seasons” children’s display in her front garden which has been viewed with delight by many generations of pupils and pre-school siblings.
She said: “It was a wonderful surprise to learn I had been nominated. Thank all those lovely people, young and old, who down the years have joined with me to help make Cawston village such a welcoming and caring community.”
Finalist - Michelle Tolley
Michelle Tolley, of Sparham Norfolk, has campaigned and advocated on infected blood issues and raised awareness of Hepatitis C around the UK, including visiting Norwich prison, providing talks to Norfolk Probation Services and recently spoke at a seminar regarding ‘Public Inquiries’ at the Home Office as a survivor.
She said: “To be nominated as a finalist is an absolutely amazing feeling. I am speechless, shocked, and humbled to be considered for an award for something that I am so passionate about in our communities.”
NHS and Emergency Services Personnel of the Year, sponsored by LOCALiQ
Winner - Craig Smith
Craig Smith, of Dereham, works for NARS – Norfolk Accident Rescue Service – and has done for four years as a paramedic.
He has responded from home on behalf of NARS to support the East of England Ambulance Service to critically ill or injured patients and has often given over 50 hours of cover a month.
He said: “I have been a paramedic for just over ten years and been involved in pre-hospital care for just over 18 years in one form or another and NARS has given me a platform to advance my practice.
“I was surprised to hear I had been selected as a finalist but genuinely pleased as this wasn’t something I was expecting.
“It has been a real privilege to be able to respond and to make a difference to someone who is possibly experiencing the worst time of their life.”
Finalists - Hemsby Lifeboat
A spokesperson said: “Local men originally launched us due to the loss of life at Winterton. It was felt that the loss of life could have been prevented if a rescue boat had been in operation. The service has grown year after year since that time.”
"Being nominated was a humbling experience, and we feel most honoured to be considered for this award as a finalist.
“Gaining this recognition has been very special for us all.”
Finalist - Jo Hayes
Jo Hayes, of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, has worked for the NHS for the past 30 years. One of her responsibilities as clinical medical examiner officer is to ensure she delivers a compassionate service to the bereaved with regards the death certification process.
She said: "I am passionate about my role and always do my utmost for every family I deal with and try to make their experience as stress-free and bearable as is possible.
“I was astounded to be selected as a finalist, but am also extremely proud. It was a wonderful surprise."
Finalist - Paul Gibson
Paul Gibson, of Lowestoft, works on an acute hospital ward dedicated to looking after patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 and the high dependency cohort unit.
He said: “I don't feel like I have done anything special in-particular.
“I enjoy my work albeit stressful on many occasions and I work with an amazing team of supportive people. My wife has supported me throughout and I could not be luckier.
“Being nominated came as quite a surprise. I'm very grateful and flattered but I feel like I'm just doing my job and what any other person in my situation would do.”
Outstanding Bravery Act of the Year, sponsored by Superbowl UK Norwich
Winner - Benjamin Cronin
Benjamin Cronin, of Waveney, was taken by surprise when a member of the public suffered a sudden cardiac arrest near to his workplace.
He said: “I went to investigate and found a person in cardiac arrest and, working with a colleague, conducted CPR for 14 minutes until the ambulance and air ambulance arrived.
“During this time, there was a high risk of Covid-19 transmission from the patient. However, I disregarded that risk, even though at the time I was on medicines that weakened my immune system, to ensure they got the best chance of survival.
“I don't feel anything more than I was doing what any other member of society would do which is work to the best of my ability to successfully keep someone alive.
“Covid was a risk but it was a less priority than the knowledge of someone else pulling through. I don't think I deserve any more credit that the medical crews that attended.”
Finalist - Ben Halms
Doctors feared Ben Halms, of Costessey, would never walk again after a terrifying parachute accident that caused him to plunge 1,000ft to the ground in just 12 seconds - but now the former soldier is climbing mountains.
Despite the unimaginable trauma of his 75mph fall, the paraplegic veteran from Norwich has defied the odds and made it into the record books after successfully climbing 6,000 metres in the Himalayas.
Mr Halms was enlisted as a beneficiary of the charity Millimetres 2 Mountains in 2021 and has raised more than £3,000 for it so far.
Finalist - Ben Poole
Ben Poole, a boxer and coach, was suddenly called into action to help a man and his dog.
He said: “I heard some screaming and saw a man in distress holding onto his dog in a quay.
“I jumped in, swam up to him, put my arms around his.
“He was very cold and shaking.
“The harbour pilot boat was signaled and, with a life ring around my arm, we swam out with the man and the dog until they were on the boat.
“I am not encouraging anyone to jump in and do the same. It’s a dangerous part of the water. I was just compelled to help a man.”
Finalist - Danielle Heusner
Danielle Heusner, of Spixworth near Norwich, gave birth to her stillborn son, Ivar, in May this year.
She said: “Since losing him, I was made aware of the lack of awareness of stillbirths. I found a charity who capture moments of babies who pass away (Remember My Baby) and wanted others to be made aware of these resources.
"I feel overwhelmed being nominated for this award as I never saw myself as being brave. My life changed in seconds and it’s been the hardest year of my life.
“All I can do is share his story and help at least one person through his memory, and hopefully break the stigma around stillbirths.”
Team/Community Group of the Year, sponsored by Stephenson Smart
Winner - Taverham and Drayton Litter Pickers
Taverham and Drayton Litter Pickers have held 65 consecutive sponsored litter picks and 350 volunteers have given 1,390 hours of their time to attend the events.
Together they have cleared 3.5 tons of rubbish and raised money for their community village hall, donations for local food banks, fund self-defence classes and purchase CCTV.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We are thrilled to have won this award.
“Taverham and Drayton Litter Pickers have had a huge impact on the local community and continue to showcase exactly what can be achieved when you put your mind to it.
“They are a powerful catalyst for positive change.”
Finalist - Carlton Colville Town Council
Carlton Colville Town Council was nominated for being “more than politics” helping out in its local community.
A spokesperson said: “We are all very happy to be considered for an award and its lovely to be recognised as doing valuable work within the community.”
Finalist - Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS)
Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS), with its headquarters in Dereham, is a voluntary team responding to patients across Norfolk and Waveney and has attended over 1,000 taskings already this year.
The volunteers are made up of doctors, paramedics, nurses and first responders who give up their spare time to treating patients in critically ill and injured conditions.
Attending calls such as patients in cardiac arrest, road traffic collisions and falls from height, the team dedicate their hours to saving lives in the Norfolk community.
A spokesperson said: “I know all the team are incredibly proud to represent.”
Finalist - Tia's Treasures
Tia’s Treasures, made up of a family from Gorleston, was established in 2011 when Tia was just six years old. Now it's nearly 12 years on and Tia's Treasures is still going strong.
Tia and the rest of the team – Mum Lisa, Dad Richard and Brothers Alex, Adam, Jamie, Tommy and Toby – fundraise and participate in Random Acts of Kindness.
Over £12,000 has been raised.
Mum Lisa said: “Tia's Treasures has a team of Kindness Ninja's who create handmade treasures to pass on to others to make them smile. We believe Kindness is contagious.”
Unsung Community Hero of the Year, sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press
Winner - Cathy Cordiner-Achenbach
Cathy Cordiner-Achenbach, of Great Yarmouth, is a busy working mum of five, but has still managed to find the time to set up an award-winning local community training provider; The Bread Kitchen CIC, supporting adults into training and employment.
A qualified teacher, she runs youth clubs, toddler groups and sessions for home schooling families as well as being a school governor and pre-school chair.
She cares passionately about helping her local community and volunteers in local food banks and delivered provisions during the pandemic with the Food out Friday initiative. She also ran a marathon to raise funding for the Take Our Hand charity.
She said: “I was completely overwhelmed to be nominated and selected as a finalist for this award. I hope winning helps to shine a light on some of the great community work going on in Great Yarmouth that I am privileged to be a part of with so many other wonderful people.”
Finalist - Candy Daniels
Candy Daniels, of Cawston, first rescued a newfoundland 20 years ago. Since then, she has had more than 100 dogs through her care for rescue rehabilitation or foster.
in 2014, she took a microchip implanter course which allowed her to microchip pets for owners’ security.
She said: “It’s devastating when a pet goes missing.
“I also set up the free community library during lockdown. It remains to be a well-visited feature for the community.
“I just do what I can.”
Finalist - David Alford
David Alford, of Holt Youth Project, has supported many thousands of children and young people across north Norfolk over 37 years on a weekly basis.
He said: “I have felt an enormous privilege serving them.
“It’s been a huge honour to see young people, including young carers and young people with mental health issues, enjoy themselves.
“I love to help make a positive difference to their lives.”
Finalist - Danny Utting
Danny Utting, of Gressenhall, is known as “Mr Gressenhall” and does many things around his local village.
Ranging from popping in on the elderly, holding fundraising events, being the chair of the local fete committee, and donating and giving back, he does it all.
He said: “I feel very honoured and thankful to have been nominated for this award.
“It was a complete shock when I received the phone call."
Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Old Buckenham Airshow
Winner - Sofia Honey Adcock
Sofia Honey Adcock, of Norwich, has spent the past two-and-a-half years undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
She said: “My mummy and daddy said they were so proud of me as I wasn’t worried about myself, I always cared about the other children in hospital. I always wanted to make things better for other boys and girls.
“When it was my birthday, my wish was for no other boys or girls to ever get cancer again.
“I feel so lucky and grateful that people have nominated me, as well as supported cancer patients, and helped me raise money for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital which is a hospital that means so much to me as it’s helped me through my own cancer journey.
“Thank you all.”
Finalists - Hollie Williams and Lexi Williams-White
Hollie Williams & Lexi Williams-White, of Lowestoft, both have Autism Spectrum Disorder. They wanted to help children in the Ukraine following the outbreak of the war.
Their mum, Louise Williams-White, said: “They wanted to send them teddies and toys but I said they have no homes to keep them in so they decided to do a bake sale.
“They bought the ingredients, mixed, baked and decorated the cakes ready for the sale. They sold some cakes from our garden to our neighbours and local school and also went to Gorleston Cliffs and sold some to dog walkers.
“They managed to raise £118.03 for Ukraine.”
Finalist - Summer Rogers
Summer Rogers, 13, of Gorleston, has raised around £12,000 for charity and individuals since the age of nine.
She said: “When I was nine, I wanted to help people so asked mum if I could donate my hair.
“I also won a pamper party and donated that to local children who were having difficult times.
“A lovely lady saw my fundraising online as I wanted to raise money to buy an iPad for The JPH through covid. Two were gifted in my name.
“I dressed up and gave presents to the children’s ward at Christmas and have done many events.”
Finalists - Tommy and Toby Hutchinson
Tommy and Toby Hutchinson, of Gorleston, have followed their sister Tia's footsteps (of Tia's Treasures) when it comes to fundraising and random acts of kindness.
In 2020, they did a fundraiser for East of England Ambulance Service Trust by creating “Norfolk Nee Nors” which are hand-painted ambulances hidden for people to find and either keep, rehide, or pass on as a random act of kindness.
They also sent letters, drawings and photos to 999 different Ambulance Service Trusts around the country.
They said it was “so awesome” to be in the finals so that they can share “all the good things we do to make people smile”.
Judges' Special Award, sponsored by Norwich Cathedral (non-entry)
Winner - Margot (collected on behalf of her mum, Tess)
Overall Star of Norfolk and Waveney, sponsored by Hopkins Homes (non-entry)
Winner – Danny Moloney
- All the winners received tickets from Norwich Theatre to this year’s pantomime and a family bowling day out courtesy of Superbowl UK. And the winner of the Young Person of the Year Award received four VIP tickets to the award-winning Old Buckenham Airshow, while the category’s finalists also received tickets to its 2023 airshow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here