5th May 2010

WEYMOUTH: Glittering night as Wessex FM recognises heroes

by Stuart Broom

LOCAL people from several walks of life were recognised for their positive contribution to the community and environment at the first Wessex FM Local Hero Awards evening last Thursday.

The glittering ceremony held at The Boat That Rocks Bar and Restaurant at Portland Marina acknowledged members of the public covering a range of awards from acts of bravery to eco champions.

The evening was hosted by the local radio station’s managing director Steve Bulley and Maria Greenwood.

Among the winners was a potential gold medallist at the 2012 Paralympics.

Paul Blake from Charlton Down, Dorchester won the Sports/Sporting Achievement category sponsored by View from Newspapers.

Twenty-year-old Paul was given very little chance of survival at birth. However, his fight and determination have helped him overcome a number of obstacles and despite suffering from cerebral palsy he has been recognised by UK Athletics and won a prestigious place on their World Class Performance Programme as an elite athlete. He currently holds the fastest 800 metre time this year, some five seconds faster than the Russian world record holder.

Matthew Robinson won the Outstanding Act of Bravery award sponsored by The Riviera Hotel, Weymouth, for his rescue of three children from a fire in January.

Matthew (18), from Abbotsbury reacted when he heard his neighbours cries for help and without thought to his own safety climbed through a bedroom window to rescue three young children trapped by the smoke and fire.

Fire fighters who arrived shortly afterwards said that the children would have lost their lives had it not been for Matthew’s quick and courageous actions.

Kern Forden lives in Easton, Portland and has been a member of Portland Coastguard for nearly 16 years. He has also been a retained fire fighter with Dorset Fire and Rescue for 11 years and the last three years a community responder on Portland for South Western Ambulance.

His nomination as a caring and well respected member of the team won him the Emergency Service Person of the Year sponsored by Danmor Lodge Residential Care Home in Weymouth.

A couple from Southwell, Portland who have been helping the community for four decades in a variety of ways were recognised with the Make A Community Difference award sponsored by Weymouth College.

In the summer months Malcolm and Patricia Atherton both in their seventies, teach swimming at St George’s primary school on Portland, and ran the Dolphins swimming pool for 35 years. They also support the community in a number of other ways and shun recognition.

Despite suffering from RAS (Reflex Anoxic Seizures) which required her to be fitted with a pacemaker, Naomi Fear worked hard to regain her strength and confidence. Eager to learn and listen, Naomi from Portland possesses a mature work ethic at her place of employment STAG Office Productions, which won her the Apprentice Of The Year title sponsored by Chesil Beach Motors.

A lady that gets children to eat food at The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester they won’t normally eat at home, mainly vegetables, won Debbie Clarke the School Catering Person award sponsored by The Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton.

Debbie from Castle Close, Dorchester even receives presents from parents for being so helpful.

Belinda Bessant from Charminster, Dorchester was nominated School Crossing Patrol Person. She was nominated for the award sponsored by Dorset County Council because she always had a smile on her face and was always there in all weathers.

The last award was won by Sally Clark from Preston, Weymouth who won the Eco Champion award sponsored by O’Three from Osprey Quay in Portland.

She set up “walking buses” and escorts children to school to reduce traffic and fumes for the children’s health and future.

For photos please visit http://picasaweb.google.com/viewfromonline/WessexFMLocalHeroAwards#