Meet the wonderful winners of

Examples of lifelong kindness and giving, extraordinary acts of courage, lifesaving gestures and steadfast response to tragedy that turned grief into helping others, it was hard to take it all in.

The winners stepped up to receive their trophies to rousing cheers and flowing tears as their stories unfolded.

Again the awards, at Reading FC Conference & Events centre, were presented by Reading lass Mel Bloor of ITV News Meridian and Reading lad BBC presenter Matt Allwright.

Reading’s Chris Tarrant, who hosts the event year on year, congratulated the winners and again expressed his awe at the selflessness of all of the nominees who, out of sheer goodwill with no thought of reward, keep our community surviving and thriving.

After the ceremony one of the organisers, Matt Whitelock, said: “In this extraordinary year of unprecedented nominations, the task of curating the shortlist becomes an even greater testament to the incredible compassion that can be found within our town.

“Our journey this year is illuminated by the unwavering support of our cherished sponsors, supporters, friends, and well-wishers.”

And he added: “Join us and get involved in celebrating our 20th anniversary next year and be a part of this amazing event. Reach out and together we will continue to #shinealight on Reading’s brilliance.”

The organising committee extended thanks to awards supporters ITV

News Meridian presenter Sangeeta Bhabra, former Reading FC captain Ady Williams, dancer Ian Waite and Andy Jones of BBC Radio Berkshire, all of whom hail from Reading.

Sally Swift, who has been involved in the organisation of the Pride of Reading Awards since 2004, said: “Our thanks to everyone involved in making the Pride of Reading Awards lunch a very special day for all our guests and in particular the 2023 award winners.

“So many people deserve a mention for their commitment to the awards. However, this event could not take place without the fantastic Reading businesses who support the Pride of Reading every year.

“Sponsors, supporters and volunteers all working together to put the spotlight on the exceptional people who are the

Pride of Reading.”

The Johnson family were awarded Family of the Year in memory of Shona Johnson and her project Shona’s Stones. The award was sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate

The ‘Show Your Stripes’ initiative from University of Reading and Reading Football Club won Putting Reading on the Map, an award sponsored by Jacobs the Jewellers and The Purple Turtle

Child of Courage Reese Macintyre with Michelle Hughes and Thomas Hughes. The award is sponsored by IQVIA

Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Macbeth went to Makan Malyasia’s Susie Jolly and Kat Perry

Reading Today, Abbie Shakespeare (left) won Young person of the Year, sponsored by with her mum, Andrea Pollard

Harry Turnbull, Chris Bushell, Davina Turnbull and Inspiration Award winner Amelie Turnball. The award was sponsored by McDonald’s

Business in Action under 50 sponsored by Boyes Turner: was Dee Cafe Community Cafe. The award was collected by Tina Farrow

Chris Tarrant with the Volunteers of the Year: SCAS’ Community First Responders. The award was sponsored by A. B. Walker

Marianne Clarke and Julie Bushrod from The Abbey School, which won School of the Year sponsored by QWERTY

Community of the Year Award went to Eldon Village People. The award was sponsored by Hilton Reading