THE best of the district was honoured during the inaugural Pride of Sedgemoor Awards, hosted by your Bridgwater Mercury.

Awards were presented in 11 categories during a glittering ceremony at Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club on Wednesday, May 16.

In association with Sedgemoor District Council, the awards were aimed at highlighting the efforts of those in the community who go above and beyond, but rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve.


GALLERY: Pictures from the Pride of Sedgemoor Awards 2018


Mercury editor Paul Jones, who co-hosted the event with Sedgemoor FM's Dave Englefied, said: "It was a fantastic night - a great opportunity to recognise some of the great work that goes on in our district.

"We hope all of the award winners had a great time and got to enjoy their success.

"Here's to honouring more great work next year."

Winners on the night were: 

Achiever Award - sponsored by Bridgwater & Taunton College

Zara Baker

 

Bridgwater Mercury:

This award was looking for someone who achieved above and beyond all expectations and Zara Baker has certainly done that.

Last summer, Zara completed her GCSEs at Robert Blake Science College and when she received her results, discovered that she was one of just 2,000 students in England to achieve grade 9 in English language, English literature and maths.

Headteacher at Robert Blake, Deb Loveridge, described Zara as ‘an inspiration to students everywhere’.


Courage Award - sponsored by S Notaro Windows Ltd

Freddy Vallender

Bridgwater Mercury:

The courage of Freddy Vallender and his family captured the hearts of everyone this year.

Freddy was one of just seven young people in the UK to suffer from a cardiac tumor – a fibroma – in his left ventricle.

But far from settle for the diagnosis, Freddy and his family fought to raise £90,000 to send him to the US for treatment.

They succeeded – and five-year-old Freddy is back causing trouble in the Vallender house – and the whole district is proud of the courage he – and his family – have shown throughout…


999 Hero Award - sponsored by HRGO Recruitment

Volunteer Dialysis Drivers

Bridgwater Mercury:

‘They are truly heroes – unsung heroes.’

Those were the words of Amanda Goodman, who nominated the volunteer dialysis drivers for their Pride of Sedgemoor Award.

The drivers, working across Somerset, don’t just provide lifts for patients in need – they become friends and carers for those who need a bit of help and thoroughly deserve some recognition.


Charity Champion Award - sponsored by Higos Insurance Services

Jayne and John Hancock

Bridgwater Mercury:

Many of us do our bit for charity, but some go that little bit further – and by a little bit, we mean a lot…

That’s what our Charity Champion Award is all about.

Over a decade ago, Jayne and John Hancock became aware of the work of Brainwave, which helps children with disabilities and additional needs.

So touched were they, that they decided to do their bit.

And it has proved a considerable bit – with the pair’s shows in Bridgwater raising more than £22,000 over the past 13 years.

The nomination said it all: ‘Jayne has had various health conditions and has a disability herself but has never let this get in the way of her enthusiasm to make a difference to the lives of children who attend Brainwave.’


Carer Award - sponsored by Brunelcare

Chelsea Dummer

Bridgwater Mercury:

THIS award aimed to recognise someone who has gone above and beyond in a bid to help someone else – and the winner certainly has.

Rachel Andrews has undergone three major back operations in the last 10 years, as well as open-heart surgery recently.

Such operations require a lot of after-care – as I’m sure anyone who has gone through such an ordeal will know.

And that is where Rachel’s daughter, Chelsea Dummer, came in…

Chelsea has been there for her mum through everything.

From first thing in the morning, to last thing at night, all while holding down a full-time job.

‘There is nothing Chelsea will not do to help,’ says Rachel. ‘Chelsea never complains about anything at all.’


Sporting Achievement Award - sponsored by Maxwells Chartered Accountants

Highbridge Ladies Running Club

Bridgwater Mercury:

Formed just over a year ago, the Highbridge Ladies Running Club has gone from strength to strength.

Bringing together ladies of all abilities, the group has helped countless people achieve their goals – from running in half marathons, to just improving their basic fitness.

And through their fitness achievements has come friendship…


Community Business of the Year - sponsored by Bridgwater Town Team

Chatterbox Cafe, Burnham-on-Sea

Bridgwater Mercury:

The Chatterbox Café, in Burnham-on-Sea, is more than just an eatery.

It has become a hub for the community, with locals making it the must-visit stop on their visits to town and owner Heidi has become a friend of them all.

Now, the café even offers home deliveries for those who cannot make their regular pilgrimage for locally-sourced food – none of it comes from further away than Weston…


Lifesaver Award - sponsored by Amicus Law

Ruben Marshall

Bridgwater Mercury:

While many teenagers may not boast much in the way of common sense, or calmness under pressure, Haygrove School pupil Ruben Marshall showed both of those things in abundance when – on his paper round one day – he found an elderly resident who had suffered a bad fall.

Not only did he contact the emergency services, but Ruben stayed with them until help arrived – and was told his swift actions helped save her life.


Environment Award - sponsored by the Bridgwater Mercury and Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News

Tim Meehan

Bridgwater Mercury:

It has never been more important to help teach young people about their planet – and the effect we all have on it.

That is what the Environmental Award wanted to recognise.

Tim Meehan, a teacher at Robert Blake Science College, has been at the forefront of preparing the next generation of young people Bridgwater about how they can make a difference – on a global scale.

Mr Meehan’s efforts have included forming a school eco club, which turned into an altogether bigger venture when he arranged for pupils in years 7 and 8 to plant 400 trees in The Meads, near the school, creating natural woodlands and in the future – reducing flooding.

Deb Loveridge, headteacher at the school, said he is an ‘inspiration to all environmentalists and students everywhere.’


Volunteer Award - sponsored by McDonald's Somerset

Zoe Strode

Bridgwater Mercury:

Times are tough – and organisations need the help of kind-hearted people to prosper.

And nowhere is this more often in evidence than at our district’s sporting clubs.

Zoe Strode helps at Burnham-on-Sea Rugby Club, doing a huge amount to ensure young people get to play the game they love.

From ensuring coaches are qualified, fixtures are booked, organising end-of-season events and everyone is DBS checked, Zoe does it all.


Hero Award - sponsored by Angel Place Shopping Centre

Tayen Gilbert

Bridgwater Mercury:

Tayen suffers from a condition called Neurofibromatosis NF1, which meant she lost her sight at a young age and suffers with epilepsy, hydrocephalus and hypermobility.

But that doesn’t stop Tayen – as anyone who has met her will know.

Her lust for life is astounding and her positivity through treatment has been an amazing thing to watch.  

Tayen – and her family – are heroes for us all.