COMMUNITY heroes who go the extra mile are celebrating after their efforts were applauded at an awards ceremony.

The annual Rochford Citizen of the Year awards have been announced and the overall winner was Karl Cadman.

Mr Cadman, 46, is race director for the Kirste 5 Race, an annual event which has raised £19,500 for Macmillan Nurses and Southend Hospital Trust since 2012.

He helped to bring 5km Parkruns to the district every Saturday in Hockley Woods.

Since the district’s Parkruns started, 221 runners of all ages and abilities have taken part.

Ages range from ten to 70, with about 25 per cent aged 50 and over. Every week, about 18 people give up their time to put the run on, with Karl organising the volunteers each week.

Mr Cadman, of Windsor Way, Rayleigh, is also a “Join in Local Leader” for Essex, encouraging newvolunteers in sports clubs in south Essex.

He is a UK Athletics endurance coach and England Athletics race adjudicator. He said: “I am very happy to receive this award, it is wonderful. I am over the moon.”

June Lumley, Rochford District Council’s Chairman, said: “Everyone who was nominated for an award is a winner.

“The citizens of the year awards are the perfect way to pay tribute to all the people who make such a difference to their communities. During my year as chairman I have had both the privilege and the pleasure of visiting a huge number of local community and voluntary groups and am humbled and amazed by the work these people do, the talent that they have and the generosity they show to others across the district.

“I would like to thank all those who took the time to complete nomination forms, and who brought the hard work, dedication and commitment of these people to our attention.

“At the council, our vision is to make the district a place that provides opportunities for the best possible quality of life for all who live, work and visit here.

“All of the winners and nominations this year represent and support that vision “I hope that by celebrating and recognising those who are making such a difference to our district will encourage them and give further opportunities, so they can continue making such a positive difference to their communities.”

THE Young Citizen of the Year award was given to Karl Beavis.

Mr Beavis of Sandon Close, Rochford works hard in the community, giving up his day off work to teach boxing to vulnerable young people, teaching self discipline and, most of all, respect for themselves and others.

He has also worked with young mums on a very tight budget, to teach them how to cook from scratch using fresh ingredients.

Father of a young daughter, he didn’t do so well at school himself, but his contribution to his local community shows such a start need not be a hindrance to getting on.

 

THE judges were so impressed with the quality of the nominations for the Community Spirit category they were unable to choose one overall winner.

The joint winners were Patricia Byford and Mike Hooper.

Ms Byford, of Randway, Rayleigh has volunteered with the Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association Voluntary Service for many years.

Taking a lead role in the organisation’s Families in Need Appeal, she raises more than £1,000 every year in cash donations, and arranged the distribution of more than 100 food parcels to underprivileged families and elderly residents in the district.

Mike Hooper, of Connaught Road, Rayleigh has been a long-term member and supporter of Rochford District Neighbourhood Watch for many years, acting as a street co-ordinator, management committee member and, since 2010, has been the chairman.

During his tenure, membership of Neighbourhood Watch in the District has almost doubled.

 

CAROL Warren was given the Charitable Support award.

Ms Warren, of Hawkewll Chase, Hockley has been involved with the Hockley and Hawkwell Old People’s Day Centre for 25 years and it’s partly down to her dedication that charity has kept going. As deputy chairman, she helps and supports elderly people, assists with official forms, accompanies disabled volunteers to interviews, helps with various tasks in the office, and even arranges food and refreshments.

On top of this she still makes time to look after her family, and previously spent many years supporting and fundraising for the 1st Hawkwell Scout Group.