Individuals and groups were honoured at Richmond’s annual Community Heroes’ Award Ceremony which took place on September 19.

More than 50 individuals, businesses and groups were shortlisted for eight categories and around 13 people and groups received an award.

Cllr Michael Wilson, Cabinet Member for Equality, Communities and the Voluntary Sector said: “I was truly inspired by the work being done by these amazing residents and was delighted we could bring them together to show our gratitude for the contribution they have made to communities across this borough.

“The evening was a wonderful celebration of community spirit – congratulations to everyone who was nominated and thank you to those who made submissions throughout the process.”

The ceremony was designed to highlight and celebrate those who willingly went above and beyond to make their communities a better and healthier place to live, learn and work.

Nominees gathered at York House to celebrate achievements in everything from sporting activities and community events to care work.

A special posthumous award was given to John Thompson from East Sheen who passed away in April 2019.

Mr Thompson had volunteered for over 30 years and was the Chair of Healthwatch Richmond and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Richmond Carers Centre.

The Council presented the award to Mr Thompson’s family.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Karin Noble to recognise her 40-year leadership of the Ham and Petersham Sea Scots.

Two Bravery Awards were awarded to Briony Cole-Gibson and Eliada Idehen.

Briony saved her sister’s life during a bus accident.

As a result of her actions, Briony went through the window at the front of the bus.

Eliada volunteers with St Johns Ambulance and on the way home from working on the London Marathon she found a man who had collapsed on the Underground after running the Marathon.

She looked after the man until paramedics arrived and was able to keep the man him as he had gone into cardiac arrest.

The Community Hero of the Year accolade - which recognises individual/s who stood out to the judges, was awarded to Karin Noble, Jacob Heller and Sol Myhill

Other winners include:

• Business contribution in the community

One Paved Court

• Community group of the year

Richmond Talking Newspaper

• Community project of the year

Real Junkfood Project

• Community Spirit

Steve Mindel

• Carer of the Year

William O’Donnell

Jonathan Pile

Lifetime Achievement

Karin Noble

• Outstanding Sporting Achievement

Nick Whitham

Young Person Achievement

Jacob Heller and Sol Myhill