Cov & Warks champions

LAST Sunday evening, community champions across Coventry and Warwickshire were celebrated at a glitzy HMV Empire.

A panel of judges had the unenviable task to whittle down the nominations to just eight winners in BBC CWR’S Make a Difference Awards.

During an emotional and equally uplifting evening, Sioux Watkins claimed the award for Best Volunteer for delivering 6,000 food parcels and 1,000 hot meals from her own kitchen to elderly people who were isolating during the pandemic. Sioux even developed a selfdefence course for women, after she was attacked while out walking in February 2021.

Wellness Junction scooped the award for Best Community Group, which was set up to support older Asian women during the pandemic. Initially connecting over Whatsapp and Zoom, the group now meet at Broad Street Hall in Coventry each week for singing, dance and chair yoga.

Being clinically vulnerable, cancer survivor, Will Green, was isolated during the pandemic but quickly turned his situation into something positive. He bought a treadmill and walked two miles a day while recovering from the side-effects of his chemotherapy, raising £28,000 for Cancer Research. Will was recognised in the Fundraising category.

Best Carer went to Sharron Stringer who went above and beyond during the pandemic by shopping, cooking and hairdressing for those she cared for. Terry Osbourne was named Great Neighbour. An active member of the local church, he volunteers with his local food bank, cafe and children’s clubs.

The Key Worker Award went to Melanie Griffin, who has set up and runs support groups for people affected by suicide.

Melanie was driven to act after finding little support when her sister died 10 years ago and has since been involved in hundreds of suicide interventions.

Michelle Macmanus’s dedication to recycling earned her the Environment Award. She turned her driveway into a recycling centre, collecting everything from crisp packets and pens to bras and bread bags.

Howard Richards was described as “a perfect role model” due to his work teaching boxing and fitness to support young people. Howard was recognised with the Together Award.

Well done to all the nominees and winners for making Coventry & Warwickshire a better place.