On Tuesday 1 July local people who have been going the extra mile to help people in the community were celebrated at the fourth Luminus Community Inspiration Awards.

Awards were presented in six categories: Good Neighbour, Community Achievement, Outstanding Leadership, Inspirational Parents, Perseverance Among Young People and a special Judges Award.

The uplifting and inspirational event welcomed the finalists, sponsors, judges and local dignitaries, including the Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council Alan Mackender-Lawrence, to Brook House for a drinks reception and the award ceremony.

The winners were:

• Good Neighbour (sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors): Angela Byatt
  Angela has provided care and support for her neighbour who was left disabled after an aneurysm. She also fundraises for a local diabetic group and is a member of her local Timebank.
   
• Community Achievement (sponsored by T Clarke East): Junior McDougald
  Junior set up the Sports Connections Foundation, which uses sport to help inspire children throughout our local communities. He provides sport camps designed to create positive futures and he also facilitates sport wishes for children facing life-threatening illness.
   
• Inspirational Parents (sponsored by Ridgeons): Michelle King
  Michelle co-founded the Little Miracles charity to support families who have children with special needs and helps them get funding. Michelle is a full time carer for her own son, who was born without the walls of his heart and has Downs syndrome.
   
• Perseverance Among Young People (sponsored by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles): Rosie Moss
  Rosie, 15, suffered with leukaemia as a toddler, has shaved her hair off to raise money for charity – and only six weeks before her school prom. So far she has almost raised her £500 target and the money is still coming in.
   
• Outstanding Leadership (sponsored by C&S Builders): Dr Nik Johnson. Dr Nik set up a clinic for children with Downs syndrome and always goes the extra mile to ensure the wellbeing of his patients. He is always there when needed, working to make the lives of his patients and their parents easier.
   
• Judges Award: Ann Knowles. Ann moved into a row of six bungalows and has encouraged a sense of community spirit and looks out for her neighbours, doing shopping for them, baking cakes and caring for her new neighbour who has health problems.

Every finalist received a certificate and a medal celebrating their achievements and the winners were presented with their awards by Luminus Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham and their award sponsor.

Dr Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, said,

“At Luminus we are committed to help change the world where we are as we make progress on our Road to Renewal. These wonderful local people have shown how it is possible to make the difference where they are, inspiring others, overcoming difficulties and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society. We are delighted that, in partnership with our sponsors, we have been able to celebrate their achievements and encourage others to follow their example. The Luminus Community Inspiration Awards demonstrate that there’s courage, perseverance and love in many people’s hearts.  The encouragement that each act of kindness brings is of immense value in helping our communities and nation look to a brighter future.  These are the foundations on which we need to build Britain’s recovery.  Luminus will continue to pursue this as our 2020 Vision and we believe that 2015’s Community Inspiration Awards will demonstrate even more inspirational stories.”