Braintree's volunteer and sporting heroes honoured at awards

The awards were held at Hedingham Castle on Wednesday, October 21.

The event recognised people and groups across the district for outstanding work in volunteering, health and wellbeing.

Buddy the Boar receiving his award (Image: Seana Hughes)

Charley Dervish, councillor for communities at Braintree Council, said: "These awards are always an inspirational event that allow us to celebrate the people in our district making a difference – they provide a huge impact to their local communities."

Buddy the Boar, Braintree Town FC’s mascot, won Volunteer of the Year and shared the Outstanding New Volunteer Award with Kinetix Academy’s Remy Fitzpatrick.

The winners, presenters and highly commended at the Braintree District Volunteer and Active Braintree Awards (Image: Seana Hughes)

Buddy was praised for supporting schools, charities, businesses and community events across the district.

He was also praised for his inclusive work with children with additional needs.

Other winners included karate champion Oliver Wilson, who won the Sports Personality Young Person Award, and BMX champion Freia Challis, who took the Sports Role Model Adult Award.

Alison Lilley, editor of Hedingham’s Parish Magazine, won the Inspirational Role Model Award.

John Wood, chairman of the Active Braintree Foundation, won the Special Recognition Award.

John said: "It is always a pleasure to highlight those contributing to health and wellbeing in the Braintree district.

"We have so much to celebrate and these awards are an opportunity to provide recognition."

The Crafty Nannas of Castle Hedingham and Braintree District won the Volunteer Group Award, while social prescribers Emma Barfield and Michelle Vagg won the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award.

Other winners included Uplift Run Club, which won the Health and Wellbeing Group Award; Margaret Payne, who won the Long Service Award; and Soccability’s Rob Widdowson, who won the Individual Health and Wellbeing Award.

Braintree Community Netball won Sports or Physical Activity Club of the Year.

Braintree Village sponsored the awards, Hedingham Castle provided the venue, KI Light and Sound handled stage production, and Freedom Leisure supplied goody bags for winners and runners-up.

Winners in selected sports and physical activity categories will progress to the Active Essex Sports Awards.