Local Heroes 2014: all the finalists up for the chance of an award

Jackie Clark-Basten - the overall winner in 2013

The Gazette and Uxbridge College’s Local Heroes Awards for 2014 will be presented to the proud but ever-modest recipients when they and their guests join us at Uxbridge College in Hayes on June 5.

The judges sat down last month to come up with a list of finalists, and for the first time we are proud to reveal their names and faces.

This year they line up in a new format. While still considering the qualities of community spirit, fundraising and courage – among others – we simplified the proces and divided the nominees into two categories: Children and Young People (anyone under 18 years old) and Adults.

From the mass of nominations came a shortlist, and from the shortlist came the finalists who you see here.

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Stephanie Bayford

Stephanie has set up a group called Little Specials, for special needs children and kids with life shortening illnesses, at Oak Farm Library in Hillingdon. It offers a place for their parents to socialise with other parents and children with special needs, and little ones can get involved with activities such as art and craft and playing with sensory toys. Stephanie has funded everything single handed from her apprenticeship wages at a special needs school.

Casey Burke

Through the Walking Matilda fund, Casey helped raise £40,000 so her friend, Matilda Duncan, could have surgery to enable her to walk without a frame. Both girls have cerebral palsy and are pupils at Coteford Infant School in Eastcote. Her grandma says: “I really think that she deserves the honour of being thanked in this way. I am one VERY proud mamma!” Jo Copley says: “What a remarkable child. Her generosity, kindness and determination are outstanding. Well done Casey, you brought a tear to my eyes and made me feel very proud of what a little girl can do.”

Alexander and Daniel Bisland

Mum, Caterina, says: “I am nominating my two boys as they are my heroes! I am very proud of them both especially as they always think of others.” Over the past four years have raised about £1,200 for Children in Need.

“Each year they come up with their own fundraising ideas and get family and friends to sponsor them. They have also helped other children’s charities, including Operation Christmas Child and sent shoe boxes of goodies to Belarus.

Local Heroes Awards finalists 2014

ADULTS

Scott and Margaret Dick

“I have known Scott and Margaret Dick for about 30 years,” said nominator Dawn Binnington. “They have worked tirelessly trying to keep BMX available in Hillingdon borough, encouraging hundreds of people to get involved in the sport. They give up almost every weekend to promote and support BMX and British cycling, as well as many weekdays. The constantly try to keep Hayes Hawks on fundraising and grant applications, and maintain the site at Hayes BMX track.”

Shenaz Mahomed

A sports teacher who works tirelessly promoting sport at school and within the larger community in Hillingdon. Shenaz organised the first ‘Harlympics’, for children in the Learning Support Centre, and organised an inclusive wheelchair basketball team which represented Hillingdon. She trains pupils for volunteer work around the borough, and set up a Sports Relief event at school, raising £450.

“We are very proud of her at Harlington School,” said nominator Jackie Green.

Dot Bryant

Dot is a member of the pool committee which helped raise cash to refurbish the pool at Hillingdon Manor School for children with autism. She is among those who have arranged tabletop and cake sales, helping apply for grants and encouraging donation.

The Friends of Eastcote House Gardens

The Friends group was formed in June 2008 with the aim of restoring the gardens and outbuildings of the former Eastcote House, demolished in 1974. The garden and remaining buildings date back to the 17th century, and recently added to the group’s domain is the eleven acre Long Meadow, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The group meets regularly and now runs volunteers days. It has also secured major donations and grants, including a £1.3m Heritage Lottery grant in 2013.

Caroline Earley

Two year old Max Earley died in November 2012, just two months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Since then, his mother, Caroline, has raised money for The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds vital research. She has also worked with HeadSmart, a campaign which grew from the delayed diagnosis of brain tumours, to help raise awareness of symptoms. It is believed Max could have been saved if he had been diagnosed earlier.

Doreen McIntyre

Nominated for her continued dedication to argue the case against HS2 for Harefield. Doreen is chairman of Harefield Against HS2, and she lobbies at Westminster, organises petitions, attends many meetings, helping to make sense of complicated documents so people can understand what they mean for them, and keeping the community informed. Doreen works to protect the lakes of Harefield, guarding against traffic chaos, construction noise and mess, excavation, dumping of spoil etc.

Andrew Riley

Joan Butfield says: “Andrew has revolutionised Northwood Hills with his unstinting passion for its future. He goes the extra mile for all residents in his capacity as chairman of Northwood Hills Residents’ Association.

“We are very luck to have someone of his capabilities doing so much voluntary work.”

Ann Sargent

Ann set up the charity Ear 4 You in 2008, helping support deaf people. Twenty-three years earlier she had suddenly lost the hearing in one ear, and after medical tests found this was permanant. She was sent away with no help. Many years later she eventually received a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA), and as well as runing a support group in Ruislip and a very informative website, she is also secretary of the BAHA support group at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat hospital. Ear 4 You was one of the Mayor’s charities in 2009.

Alison Vaughan

Alison is group leader of the 6th Northwood Brownies where she runs meetings every week and is heavily involved in events and holidays. She also volunteers at Hillside School helping children read. Alison, who lives with her mother Stella, has had spinal muscular atrophy since birth and uses a wheelchair.