Who were our winners in the Stars of Suffolk Awards?

All year, we have been getting excited to find out who amongst us would be recognised for their efforts in making our county the wonderful place it is – and now, we have our winners, who were called on stage yesterday afternoon to accept their dazzling awards.

We would like to begin by thanking our headline sponsor, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and our two category sponsors, Hawk Express Cabs and Sizewell C, for all their support in helping us bring these awards to you.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Liz Nice, editor of the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times. Mediterranean Shipping Company was the event's headline sponsor, while Haw Express Cabs and Sizewell C had each chosen a category to sponsor. (Image: Matthew Potter of MP Photo and Video)We were finally ablet to present each of our highly deserving winners with their award on Thursday. (Image: Matthew Potter of MP Photo and Video)The winners were delighted to know that their efforts and community spirit do not go unnoticed. (Image: Matthew Potter of MP Photo and Video)

David Woolnough, Finance Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company, was also in attendance and offered his congratulations to finalists and winners alike. (Image: Matthew Potter of MP Photo and Video)

We also would like to thank everyone who has been busy nominating their friends, neighbours and heroes for an award, so that we can give them the recognition they deserve, and show them that their hard work does not go unnoticed.

Who were the winners for the Stars of Suffolk 2023/24?

Carer of the Year – Gloria Besley

Gloria, from Highfield House in Halesworth, was nominated  for being a highly valued member of the care team who motivates and inspires, giving the best person-centred care possible for all residents.

The finalist for Carer of the Year was Sandra Sheldrake.

Charity Hero of the Year – Mark Ling

Mark is Chair of the Broomhill Pool Trust, and has worked tirelessly with his team for more than 20 years to bring the iconic lido back from fond memory into a reality.

The finalists for Charity Hero of the Year were Kayleigh Simpson and Motin Khan.

Lifetime Commitment to the Community Award – Verity Jolly

Verity is the Director of Patient Services at St Elizabeth Hospice, who regularly goes above and beyond to support patients and their families at this difficult time in their lives. Verity has been at the hospice since the day it first opened its doors in 1989, starting first as ward nurse and progressing through each nursing leadership role before becoming Director of Patient Services in 2007. With Verity set to retire this month, we hope this award is the perfect way to thank her for all those years of dedicated service.

The finalists for this award were James Perks and Jason Alexander

NHS & Emergency Services Personnel of the Year – Steve Murrow

Steve has been a paramedic of more than 32 years dedicated service. In that time, he has come to the rescue of countless people in desperate need of help, and been that friendly face and soothing voice in times of need.

The finalists for this category were DCI Michael Pereira and Carl Coughlin.

Team/Community Group of the Year (sponsored by Sizewell C) – Dora Brown Charity

Dora Brown Charity came out on top for this award. Established in the last few years, Dora Brown is a ‘home makeover’ charity which offers a  ‘reset’ to the homes of people who are struggling to cope, whether through mental health crises, poverty or any other difficulties they are experiencing in their lives.

The finalists for this category were Voices for Gainsborough Library and the University of Suffolk Legal Advice Centre.

Unsung Community Hero of the Year – Amy Turlington

Amy Turlington emerged victorious for this award. Amy, like so many of you, can often be found hard at work behind the scenes. Amy works to support people who are taking the brave steps to start their own small businesses.

The finalists for this award were Carl Shemmings and Zoe Willingham.

Young Person of the Year (sponsored by Hawk Express Cabs) – Oliver O’Neill, Charley Bridges and Alfie Hunt

These three brave youngsters came to the rescue of a 71-year-old man who had taken a tumble and broken his leg back in March last year. The Stowupland High students had been playing football, but came racing to his aid when they heard his screams for help .

The finalists for this award were Charlie Crawford and Ellie Nicholl.

Judges Special Award – Charlie Crawford

When Charlie’s best friend Riley was diagnosed with leukaemia, countless trips backwards and forwards were needed, and his mother even had to give up work. Concerned for his best friend and his family, 11-year-old Charlie set about raising funds for transport, and soon raised more than ten times his target, making a world of difference to Riley and his family.

The Overall Star of Suffolk (Sponsored by Mediterranean Shipping Company) – Mark Ling

Mark was crowned the judges overall winner of all the categories, their ultimate pick for that special person whose hard work and dedication makes our county so special.