Thirty-one inspiring Essex individuals and community groups became the stars and the pride of the county when their achievements were celebrated at the Pride of Essex Awards last week (October 14) at Anglia Ruskin University, the first ceremony with Chelmsford Star Co-op as headline sponsor.
Now in its 30th year, the Awards continue to capture the spirit, compassion, and resilience that make Essex such a special place. From tireless volunteers to courageous children and life-changing community projects, this year’s nominees embodied the very best of humanity — courage, kindness, and the power of hope. Chelmsford Star has been involved since the beginning, in some capacity or other, and now – with Central Co-op’s blessing – we’ll be involved long into the future too.
Our own Kevin Bennett, who made his debut this year as both Awards co-chair and co-presenter, said: “Each year, it has been so humbling to see the difference people and groups can have on those around them, often making those achievements over adversity. These Awards shine a light on these unsung heroes and celebrate the good in Essex.”
Awards medallists were:
Chelmsford Star Co-op’s Star of Essex Award – Lee Clark from Shoeburyness, an extraordinary fundraiser whose relentless efforts have transformed lives.
Highly commended: Shane Yerrell from Loughton; Val Hardy, Great Bardfield; Pesh Kapasiawala, Chigwell; Joe Lane, Billericay.
Susie Cornell Child of Courage Award – Joey Knipes, 10, from Laindon, who has undergone 36 reconstructive surgeries to treat a rare and aggressive condition but still helps care for his brother.
Highly commended: Polly Foster from Brentwood; Dean Cousins, Dagenham; Darcy Strutt, Burnham on Crouch; Allani Copeland, Wickford.
Craft Corporate Cars Judges’ Choice Award – Devika Bouri-Clark from Colchester, a deaf lecturer at Chelmsford College whose determination and advocacy have inspired students and colleagues.
Potters Resorts Community Champion Award – Tina Townsend from Witham, founder of the Witham and Braintree Support Hubs, providing vital lifelines to those in need.
Highly commended: Sue Randall from Maldon; Leila Hobart from Witham; David Barton, Grays; Andrew Small, Basildon.
P and A Wood Inspirational Youth Award – Ella Lambert from Chelmsford, founded The Pachamama Project and mobilised over 2,500 volunteers across 11 countries to produce 160,000 reusable sanitary pads for refugees.
Highly commended: Three Flying Fish, Chelmsford; Takondwa Maosa and Ben Cluett, Southend and Rochford; Sonny’s Army, Jaywick; George Nye, South Woodham Ferrers.
Directa UK Team of Pride Award – Sound and Vision Sensory CIC from Feering, which bring light and sound to blind, deaf, or deafblind people living in silence and darkness.
Highly commended: Cross Keys Community Fund, Chadwell St Mary; Off the Streets, Westcliff-on-Sea; Purfleet Community Café, Purfleet; Friends of Treetops School, Grays.
Radio Essex Unsung Hero Award – Matt Carr, from Braintree, who with his wife founded Power of Play Essex, a sanctuary for families of children with special needs.
Highly commended: Robert Keenan from Clacton; Caroline Fagg, Chelmsford; Brian Oliver, Southminster; John Wealleans, Chelmsford.
Guests at the Awards presentation evening included Graham Clegg – Deputy Lieutenant of Essex representing the Lord-Lieutenant, Julie Fosh – High Sheriff of Essex, Cllr Carlo Guglielmi – Vice Chairman Essex County Council and Cllr Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock. Also in attandance were our CEOs Barry Wood and Debbie Robinson, Chelmsford Star’s outgoing President, Tony Price, and Central’s Vice-President, Richard Bickle.
The Awards were launched in 1994, inspired by Susie Cornell, MBE DL ,whose vision was to shine a light on those who quietly make the world better. Three decades on, that spirit burns brighter than ever. Now President of the Awards, Susie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 51 years ago.
The awards were renamed the Pride of Essex Awards for 2012, but were not held last year (2024) or in 2011.
Awards website: www.poeawards.org
For more information email: awards@poeawards.org
Former President, Tony Price, presented the Star of Essex awards to a worthy team of individuals with a long history of fundraising or community work.
An audience of nearly 200 gathered to watch hardworking and inspirational people of Essex getting recognised for their efforts.
Awards such as ‘Child of Courage’ and ‘Star of Essex’ ensured individuals of all ages and backgrounds were eligible for an award.
Our very own Kevin Bennett (main centre) co-Hosted the awards, supported here by Co-op VIPs from Central and Chelmsford Star.