A devoted carer for a much-loved disabled sister, a talented young footballer whose raised thousands for charity and a cancer patient who spends his time helping others are just three of the people recognised by LOROS’ local hero awards.
On Wednesday afternoon, in recognition of their dedication and commitment, the 20 winners received an engraved leaf on the LOROS Tree of Life, a new sculpture installation in the gardens of the Hospice.
The Tree of Life sculpture is a special place to celebrate and commemorate important people in our lives as well as contribute to the hospice community.
One of these was Kate Newman, a much loved, much missed friend, aunt and colleague who lived on the Wykin Estate in Hinckley. When she died in 2022, her local community fundraised in her memory, and used the money to fund some extra special leaves on the LOROS Tree of Life to reward local heroes like her.
Karen Connolly, who was a good friend of Kate and helped spearheaded the fundraising effort said: “Kate was a real character, a very special lady, who touched the lives of so many people. Everyone who knew her loved her.
Lorraine Cheshire, another close friend, added: “We wanted to do something to continue Kate’s legacy and recognise how important people like her are to their communities.”
Laura Betts, Fundraising Manager at LOROS said: “We are delighted to be able to support Karen and her friends to honour their great friend Kate. Our Tree of Life is a beautiful, new sculpture, where people can come to remember their loved ones. Celebrating local people who give back to their community, just like Kate did, is a lovely way to pay tribute to her.”
The winners were in four categories:
Inspirational young person
Evie Spencer for a campaign of hand-written Christmas cards for patients.
Frankie Ormerod for being a resilient and exceptional role model.
Phoebe Littleton for inspirational fundraising for her local autism charity.
Richard Aning for always seeking to improve and help others.
Robbie Fletcher for amazing fundraising for LOROS.
Outstanding group
Judy Dodds and the LOROS Ladies Choir.
Support and Inspire CIC.
Streetvibes Young People’s Service.
Rachel's Table.
Redmoor Academy, 3 Peaks for A.L.L
Good neighbour
Alison Colebourne, for always giving a warm welcome.
Lorraine Cheshire for fundraising and caring for her community.
Reg Green for years of service to the Boys’ club in Hinckley.
Julie Morrell for a lifetime of caring for others.
Ryan Archer for raising thousands for charities despite his own ill health.
Dedicated carer
Charlotte Peel, for caring for her grandad.
Pete Kerrigan, for his care of bereaved families and patients on the LOROS Ward.
Janice Gwadera, for caring for her disabled sister.
Martin Wigmore, for caring for his wife who had MND.
Christine Gatfield, for founding Dove Cottage hospice.
Leaves on the LOROS Tree of Life are also available to purchase if you’d like to celebrate and commemorate someone special – please visit loros.co.uk/TreeofLife for more.
