'Inspirational' Lion nominated for Community Gold Award (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Harpenden Lion Steve Gledhill nominated in unsung hero search

4:32pm Monday 10th May 2010 in News By Manisha Mistry

AN “inspirational” charity volunteer who has taken in his stride what life has thrown at him is the latest to be nominated in this month's search for an unsung hero.

Over the last year and a half Steve Gledhill of the Harpenden Lions has overcome prostate cancer, a life changing car crash and a heart attack, but has still managed keep his spirits up.

Fellow Lion Bengie Walden feels Steve, 58, deserves to win a Community Gold Award for his “stoic attitude” and determination.

Nominating Steve in the scheme, which is run by the Review in conjunction with solicitors Debenhams Ottaway, Bengie said: “Steve is an inspirational member of Harpenden Lions Club.

“This year he has wrestled with prostate cancer, involving several invasive and unpleasant operations, a serious car crash which involved operations to insert metal bars in his leg, and a heart attack while he was in hospital having the other problems sorted out.

“He has maintained a stoic attitude, ably supported by his wife Kate and two daughters. He has continued to act as Harpenden Lions' public relations officer.

“Steve's continued positive approach to his challenges has inspired the club and his many friends.”

The Highland Gathering, which takes place this year on Sunday, July 11, at Rothamsted Park in Harpenden is one of the biggest events in the calender for the Lions.

With Steve's sheer bravery and courage following the bad turn of events he has managed to continue promoting the annual gathering despite being house-bound after having his leg operation.

Commenting on his nomination, he said: “I am very humbled and pleased. I've tried to get on with things and I've done it for the community and for the other members of the Lions club.

“Even when I was confined to the house I managed to do my work for the club and in a way it's kept me going through the bad times.”

He added: “I'm really overwhelmed that I've been nominated for the award.”

Four members of the Harpenden Lions Club have been inspired by Steve to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Research Centre.

On Sunday, May 22, they will embark on their challenge. To support them visit www.justgiving.co.uk/HarpendenLions254.

Do you know an individual, business or charity who makes a difference in the community? Why not nominate them for a Community Gold Award.

You can enter by emailing your hero’s name and any relevant contact details to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk catchlining your email hero.

You can also enter by text or by phone.

Send your text to 80360. Start your text with the word hero, leave a space and then enter the name and contact details of your unsung hero. Please also include your name and a contact number so we can get in touch with you in the event we are unable to contact your nominated person.

To nominate by phone, simply call 09012 210048 and leave the details of your unsung hero when prompted.

Calls cost no more than 25p per call from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more. Texts cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines open 08/02/2010 and close 15/12/2010 at 23:59PM. For full terms visit http://www.newsquest.co.uk/terms. Service Provided by Newsquest Media Group.