Community heroes of all ages celebrated at Pride in Fenland 2025

The awards saw 87 nominations for individuals and groups that positively impact lives in the district.

The event, organised by Fenland District Council, was the 17^th of its kind.

"Increasingly humbled"

Opening the event, at Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre, the district's Cllr Susan Wallwork said: "With every year that goes by, I become increasingly humbled by the voluntary community in Fenland.

"Individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds are regularly making a meaningful difference to Fenland residents in a multitude of ways.

"These awards shine a spotlight on you. It's also important that we acknowledge the huge numbers of volunteers not in this room who may not have received a nomination, but are no less deserving, and also make a difference to lives every day.

"We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to these people as well as to those of you here tonight."

Cllr Wallwork and Cllr Sam Clark made the night's announcements.

All nominees were invited to the event where the impact they'd each made was mentioned and recognised.

Winners were selected in eight categories and runners up in six of those. All received trophies and £50 and £25 prizes respectively.

Jane Melloy, aged 84, was awarded the Lifetime Volunteer Award for all she still does to support Tydd St Giles and the wider community and her years spent as a magistrate and then supporting witnesses in court as a Witness Service volunteer.

Jane said: ""It's very flattering but it isn't me, it's the whole community that I live in. Alright, I've been involved in various things in the community but without the community joining together to get things done, these things wouldn't have happened. It isn't just about an individual, it's about a community."

Nominations for winners and runners-up said:

Lifetime Volunteer Award - Jane Melloy

Dedicated community volunteer & fundraiser, in Tydd St Giles, and a former magistrate and Witness Service volunteer, Jane has given many decades of service to her community and continues to do so now she is in her 80s.

Special Judges' Award - Steph Webb

Youth worker Steph shows outstanding dedication and support to Fenland youth projects, consistently inspiring young people and providing unparalleled opportunities and goes above and beyond in her job.  

Fundraiser - Winner - Gary and Jay Dorman

Brothers Gary and Jay, run the Fen Diggers metal detecting club and organise year-round charity fundraisers, for good causes, raising more than £10,000 last year alone.

Fundraiser - Runner up - Luke Connolly

Generous Wisbech businessman Luke never stops giving back to the community, ranging from sending people on holidays to supporting fundraisers.

Sports and Recreation - Winner - Bob Fitzjohn

Bob is a 'cornerstone of our community'. He is the organiser of fishing matches, dedicated supporter of accessible fishing and keeps March tidy through riverside litter picking groups.

Sports and Recreation - Runner up - Whittlesey Small Fry Youth Fishing Club coaching team

Whittlesey Small Fry Fishing Club's volunteer team takes children fishing, teach environment matters, anti-pollution, water safety and takes education into primary schools.

Community Champion - Winner - Sarah Perkins

Sarah consistently goes above and beyond, involving Lyncroft Care Home residents, where she works, and the wider community in different yarn bomb events (colourful public yarn displays, such as post box toppers).

She also established a St John's Ambulance group, helping youngsters gain vital first aid skills.

Community Champion - Runner up - Anna Foster

Dedicated and compassionate Anna has helped reduce food waste while tackling food insecurity running a community pantry in Whittlesey.  

Community Volunteer - Winner - Spike Bailey

Chatteris In Bloom and the Friends of Little Acre Pocket Park (FLAPP) volunteer Spike is out in all weathers, pulling up weeds, tidying flower beds and planting trees and shrubs.

Spike is always polite, cheerful and willing to help and makes a notable difference.

Community Volunteer - Runner up - Graham Chappell

Chairman of Fenland Road Safety Campaign (Charlotte's Way), Graham endlessly and tirelessly campaigns for better road safety measures and education. His actions have undoubtedly saved lives.

Special mention - in memory of Heather Johnson

A special certificate was given in memory of Heather Johnson in recognition of her dedication, compassion, and tireless work in wildlife care.

Heather, who founded Heather's Hedgehog Hostel, in Chatteris, died on June 17.

Teacher Heather's life was dedicated to supporting children and rescuing animals.

Community Group - Winner - Wisbech Youth Café

The team at Wisbech Youth Café create a safe space and engage young people in positive activities, from sport sessions to community involvement.

They bring a sense of pride and belonging and make a tangible difference in countless lives.

Community Group - Runner up - Damsons Community Group

The volunteers provide invaluable care and support to both dementia sufferers and their families at their weekly club in Wisbech, creating a restful, happy environment, offering stimulation, fun and vital information.

Youth Volunteer - Winner - Kai Stoner

Junior parkrun volunteer Kai shows exceptional dedication and efficiency, infectious and inspiring enthusiasm. He is an outstanding and inspiring role model.

Without Kai, the Junior parkrun wouldn't be the same joyful experience for so many families.

Youth Volunteer - Runner up - Cody Lenton

Cody has used his own experiences and challenges of dealing with ADHD, autism and hearing loss, to connect with young people and become involved in detached youth work in Whittlesey.

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June 2025