Unsung heroes celebrated at Community Gold Awards dinner

10:30am Saturday 23rd January 2010

By Manisha Mistry

UNSUNG heroes across the district, rewarded by the Review for their dedication and commitment to the community, came together last night for a celebratory dinner.

Throughout 2009 were asked you to make nominations for our Community Gold Award scheme – which has been run in conjunction with St Albans-based solicitors Debenhams Ottaway.

Only in its first year - we were inundated with a vast array of nominations but only the 12 who stood out from the crowd were crowned winners.

Selfless volunteers, charity workers and those who left their lives behind to put others first were in the line-up of unsung heroes rewarded with a trophy.

As the night kick-off at the OA Sports Ground off Harpenden Road the winners, along with their chosen guests, had a chance to mingle with the crowd and meet others who were also recognised for the special things they have done for their community.

Before the award holders were introduced Richard Debenham said: “We have organised this dinner in honour of some very special people whose commitment, dedication and sheer hard work has made a real difference to our community.

“But what strikes me is not just the hard work carried out by those here this evening but their modesty.

“All 12 winners have made a difference the lives of people around them and for this they deserve the limelight they have been given through the Community Gold Award scheme.”

The winners were introduced to the crowd by Mr Debenham who gave a short speech on why each of the unsung heroes were nominated – after which they gathered for their photos to be taken.

Reg Law, an 88-year-old World War Two veteran who has dedicated his life to fighting crime across the district, said: “I have had a lovely evening and I would like to thank everybody who I have known and worked with.

“But most of all for everything I know and have achieved to this day I owe it all to my late wife, Elsie.”

Adam Rushbrook, 23, who along with his friend Joe Brame saved the life of an elderly woman after rescuing her from a fire which engulfed her home said: “Me and my friend are just overwhelmed really. To be here alongside a World War Two veteran is a real honour.”

Click the related link below to read all the Community Gold Award stories and also our picture gallery from Friday's dinner.