There’s something truly magical about a community coming together to celebrate its own, and that’s precisely what happened at the 2024 Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment guests arrived at the Quarry Theatre to celebrate these awards, which are organised in partnership with the Harpur Trust, and it only built from there.
“Spirit of Bedford”
Before the ceremony began, people spilt out into the Quarry Theatre garden, enjoying the pleasant weather and soaking up the positive atmosphere. They were helped along by cold drinks and nibbles served by Bedford School, the award hosts.
The chatter was nonstop, with people talking, laughing, and catching up. It felt like everyone in the room—whether a nominee, a finalist, or just a proud supporter—was here for one reason: to celebrate the heroes of Bedford.
The Quarry Theatre bar was alive with energy as guests mingled and the Bedford School Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Tom Syson, set the tone with their vibrant tunes.
The music was perfect, keeping the tempo lively and helping to build excitement as the ceremony was about to begin. It was clear: this was going to be a special night.
Heartfelt celebration
The awards ceremony officially kicked off with Paul Hutchinson, co-founder of Progress Publishing, and Lucy Bardner from The Harpur Trust, welcoming everyone with open arms. Paul’s opener reminded us all why we were there—to celebrate the unsung heroes of Bedford.
These are the people who quietly change lives, making a massive impact without ever asking for recognition.
“You are all heroes,” Paul said, and as the night went on, it became clear just how true that was. These weren’t just people receiving awards; they were our neighbours, our friends, the beating heart of Bedford itself.
As each finalist took to the stage, it felt like Bedford was cheering them on as one.
A moment of the evening that will no doubt be a highlight for at least one attendee and his family was just after the Young Achiever (Up to Age 13).
Oscar Pons, a finalist, was celebrated with a spontaneous, heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the packed theatre.
Everyone joined in, singing with joy as Oscar stood there beaming. It was a beautiful, warm reminder of the sense of community that makes Bedford unique.
Oscar turned 14 on that day of the ceremony; we’re confident he’ll be nominated in the older Young Achiever category in the years to come.
As the awards continued, it wasn’t just about recognising the winners but celebrating Bedford as a whole.
Judges, seated on stage, watched as the nominees walked up to claim their well-deserved recognition, making space for each new winner with the kind of warmth and respect that only a tight-knit community can provide.
A full house
The evening carried on in a wonderful mix of excitement and emotion. As guests settled into their seats, the Bedford School Jazz Orchestra continued to play, adding that special touch of energy that kept the ceremony buzzing.
The packed theatre was a testament to how many people were there to celebrate Bedford’s Everyday Heroes.
As each award was presented, it felt like the whole room was collectively holding its breath, waiting for the names of those who would be honoured for their outstanding contributions to our community.
When the winners were announced, the applause was deafening. But it wasn’t just the winners who were celebrated—the highly commended finalists were met with just as much enthusiasm, a clear sign of how much their efforts meant to everyone in the room.
True Community Spirit
David Steadman, Chief Executive of The Harpur Trust, and Paul Kellett from Bedford Giving both took the stage to express their pride in being part of such a special event.
David highlighted how inspiring it was to see the variety of people nominated each year, from community artists to those working behind the scenes to improve lives.
Paul spoke about the importance of giving young people a platform to have their voices heard, and the Youth Voice Award—sponsored by Bedford Giving in memory of Laura Pottinger—was a true highlight of the evening.
The award was presented with deep emotion, and the winner, Sporting Aid’s “Next Generation Podcast,” was applauded for amplifying the voices of young people.
The night was also filled with stories of unsung heroes, those who work quietly to make a difference. Shapna Khanam, the winner of the Unsung Hero Award, was one such hero.
As she accepted her award, it was clear that her work with Hawaa, bringing people together through community events and workshops, had made a lasting impact on Bedford.
A night for the givers
And when Frankie Pickup, a nine-year-old, was named Fundraiser of the Year (Individual), raising more than £1,500 for Embrace Charity, it was a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Sadly, Frankie was unable to collect her award herself, but speaking to her family today, they tell us they couldn’t be more proud of all she has achieved. We will catch up with her soon when she is able.
As our hosts, Bedford School helped make the evening more than a simple gathering.
The boys and staff pulled out all the stops to ensure that the finalists, their friends, and their families felt truly special.
We are grateful for their continued support, which helps our Everyday Heroes enjoy a night for themselves, when at all other times they are doing things for others.
Hugh Maltby, Director of The Bedford School Association, introduced the Excellence in Education Award and spoke of the deep connection between the school and the town.
“At Bedford School, we strive to instil a sense of community and responsibility. Our boys volunteer, raise funds, and support local causes, contributing to the strong fabric of Bedford,” he said.
The event was watched by Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative) and Deputy Lieutenant (DL) Nick Kier, who also delivered some closing remarks.
In summing up what he had just witnessed, he chose a quote often repeated by Pope Francis, who passed away last month.
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves.
“Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you,” said the DL.
Speaking after the event, the founders of Progress Publishing, who publish the Bedford Independent, Julia Course, Erica Roffe, and Paul Hutchinson, agreed, “The Everyday Heroes Awards are more than just a celebration of outstanding individuals.
“They reflect the incredible spirit that makes Bedford such a special place. It’s an honour to be part of an evening that showcases the heart of the Bedford Borough community.”
The winners in full
Volunteer of the Year
Sponsor: The Harpur Trust
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Azalea Bedford Outreach team | The Outreach team drives their support van around key areas of Bedford twice a week to meet and care for women surviving sex trafficking. |
| Friends for life | Transforms the lives of Bedford’s older generations by reducing social isolation through companionship and helping provide a sense of belonging. |
| Paul Angell | Runs the Adventurers after-school club at Wootton Baptist Church, encouraging young children to explore faith through laughter, games, and joy. Runs it for free. |
| Janet Dickinson | Volunteers for many local groups and causes. Runs a Cub Scout pack, maintains the Defibrillator at a local park, coordinates Bedford Park Run, and offers accommodation to young people leaving care. |
| Julie New | Heads-up the Grief Garden Path bereavement café, establishing a safe space for emotional support and community fellowship. With 40+ guests attending every month, Julie has sought sponsorship to ensure the café is free for all. |
Winner: Janet Dickinson
Highly Commended:
- Friends for Life
- Paul Angell
Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough
Sponsor: The Quarry Theatre
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Bedford Esquires | Gareth and the team at Esquires have transformed the venue into one of the leading grassroots music venues in the country, firmly placing Bedford on the map for any music lover or fan of live music. |
| Nicole Lockwood-West | Wrote a special play about the Bedford area called ‘The Lost Lionesses’, celebrating the hidden history of the Bedfordshire-based team who played at the Women’s World Cup in Mexico in 1971. |
| Ravi Singh Gill | Raises the profile of Bedford in all he does, being vocal about the town’s cohesion and the strength of its community. |
Winner: Bedford Esquires
Highly Commended:
- Nicole Lockwood-West
Fundraiser of the Year (Individual)
Sponsor: Woodfines Solicitors
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Simon Brook | Walked 550 miles from Minehead to Burton Bradstock to raise £2,322 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his partner Philippa ‘Pip’ Suren who died at 44. |
| Julie Ellison | Carried out a gruelling seven-hour gym session to raise £15,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust following its care of her son diagnosed with stage three head and neck malignant melanoma. |
| Kathryn Hughes | Works tirelessly to keep Friends for Life’s services running, enabling vital connections for socially isolated residents in Bedford’s care homes. |
| Eloise Perry | Swam two and a half laps of Box End Park to raise £1,129 for Shelter, smashing her fundraising target of £250. |
| Frankie Pickup | At just nine years old, Frankie learned 70 signs for Embrace Charity’s 70th Anniversary, raising over £1,500. |
Winner: Frankie Pickup (accepted by Kelly, Frankie’s nominator)
Highly Commended:
- Simon Brook
- Julie Ellison (accepted by her daughter Rebecca)
Young Achiever (Up to Age 13)
Sponsor: Maths Circle
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Lucy Backhurst | Won the national Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers’ competition and achieved four golds and two silvers at the 2024 Bedfordshire Speech & Drama festival. |
| Layla Dixon | East Anglia champion in BMX racing, selected to represent Team GB at the BMX World Championships in Denmark. |
| Rory Luddington | Chosen to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Irish Optimist National and Open Championships and selected for the East Optimist Regional Training Group. |
| Oscar Pons | Volunteered to litter pick for his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, setting an example for other young people in the local community. |
Winner: Lucy Backhurst
Highly Commended:
- Layla Dixon (unable to attend)
Young Achiever (Ages 14-21)
Sponsor: Bedford Heights
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Mark Brady | Transformed from a young person struggling with ASB to a dedicated youth leader and volunteer, contributing over 2,000 hours. |
| Manal Habibi-Sutherland | Started work in the financial services industry, now working towards becoming a mortgage advisor, making a significant impact in her field. |
| Urban Judge | Founded YouthTV at 13, now the Group CEO, leading initiatives to empower young people and promote women’s voices in Bedford. |
| Olesia Synelnkova | Arrived from Ukraine in September 2022, now Deputy Head Girl, achieving excellent academic results despite adversity. |
| The Learning Lounge | Won the Ready2Lead challenge and continues to help current GCSE students improve their revision techniques. |
Winner: Urban Judge
Highly Commended:
- Olesia Synelnkova
- The Learning Lounge
Pride in Bedford Borough
Sponsor: Bedford Radio
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Anne-Marie Abbate | Brings art to Bedford’s communities and promotes inclusivity and self-enrichment through a variety of art mediums and events. |
| Canoe Trail | A multi-award-winning family-run watersports and outdoor activities company providing over 13,000 activity sessions annually, boosting Bedford tourism. |
| Paul Ellis | Supports vulnerable men in accessing services and managing day-to-day life with empathy and a collaborative approach to achieve positive change. |
| Q Youth Bedford | Promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion, empowering young people and fostering community pride through advocacy, events, and support. |
Winner: Anne-Marie Abbate
Highly Commended:
- Canoe Trail
- Q Youth Bedford
Unsung Hero
Sponsor: Brewpoint
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Emily Cataldo | Works with Bedford Hospital to order and fit wigs for cancer patients. She takes no payment for her time and is very quiet about it, never looking for praise. |
| Larissa Clarke | Set up a fitness program for vulnerable women in a safe and friendly space. |
| Shapna Khanam | Organises community events, workshops, and activities like trekking, archery, and biking through the Hawaa organisation. |
| Emma Owen | Supports individuals facing mental health crises through her work at MIND BLMK Recovery Lounges. One of her nominators said, “she saved my life on each occasion”. |
Winner: Shapna Khanam
Highly Commended:
- Emily Cataldo
Fundraiser of the Year (Team)
Sponsor: White Hart Press
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Bedford Belly Busters | Twenty cyclists rode 160 miles to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after one of their members was diagnosed with MND. |
| Bedford Christmas Tree Festival | Organised by Margaret and her team, they’ve raised a quarter of a million pounds over 25 years, split between the Church and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends. |
| Clapham Concert Party | Four young people directed the 30th anniversary panto, helping the group raise over £40,000. |
| Core Performance | Held a local Battle Cancer event, encouraging members to raise money for cancer charities. |
| HG Fit | Donated over 60 bags filled with toiletries and essentials to Love in a Bag Bedford, supporting women in need. |
Winner: Bedford Christmas Tree Festival
Highly Commended:
- Clapham Concert Party
- Core Performance – Battle Cancer
Youth Voice
Sponsor: Bedford Giving
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Lola Bracey | Campaigns for equal access to sport for girls in schools. Recently met with the Department of Education to push for further progress. |
| Kimberley College Ready2Lead Group: Period 101 | They visited local lower schools to educate Y5 and Y6 girls about periods and provided goody bags to help them cope with their worries. |
| Leo Telford | Co-authored “Between”, a memoir about his transition, raising awareness about trans issues for young people. |
| Link to Change | Voices of the Exploited campaign amplifies young survivors’ stories to challenge injustice and demand action. |
| Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast | I visited local lower schools to educate Y5 & Y6 girls about periods and provided goody bags to help them navigate their worries. |
| Q:Youth Bedford | The only LGBTQ+ youth service in Bedford, providing a safe space for 13-19-year-olds in the community. |
Winner: Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast
Highly Commended:
- Leo Telford
- Kimberley College Ready2Lead Group: Period101
Excellence in Education
Sponsor: Bedford School
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Christopher Carter | Has played a vital role in building a positive reputation within the community, inspiring those around him to be the best they can be. |
| Janet Lewis | Has dedicated 55 years to education, adored by pupils and colleagues alike for her passionate and caring approach. |
| Parvatti Rajamani | A consultant psychiatrist and artistic director, Parvatti also teaches the beautiful art of Odissi dance to children in Bedford. |
| Michael Walker | Ensures all students have access to drama, going above and beyond to help anyone who needs emotional or academic support. |
| Jean Warn | She has dedicated 55 years to education and is adored by pupils and colleagues alike for her passionate and caring approach. |
| Emma Wright | Created an enrichment programme for over 600 pupils, offering fun, non-curriculum activities every Friday. |
Winner: Michael Walker
Highly Commended:
- Parvatti Rajamani (accepted by Sheeba)
- Emma Wright
Young Carer
Sponsor: Heart Academies Trust
| Nominee | Why they are a finalist |
|---|---|
| Grace Deasy | Supports her mum with physical and mental health needs, while also caring for her younger brothers with autism. |
| Lleyton Hains | Supports his mum and twin brothers, stepping up despite his own struggles. |
| Charlie Lloyd | Cares for his mum with multiple chronic conditions and five siblings with autism, while maintaining good grades at school. |
| Millie Perry | She supported her younger sister, Grace, by helping her transition to a new school and ensuring she feels confident and supported. |
Winner: Charlie Lloyd
Highly Commended:
- Grace Deasy
- Lleyton Hains
- Millie Perry
