Hillingdon's community heroes recognised by council

The annual awards, held at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, are an opportunity for the council to shine a light on the people who devote their own time to improve their local community, and in turn help make the borough a special place.  

A judging panel comprising Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards and council officers selected the winners from a record 167 nominations, across three categories: Helping Communities, Helping Vulnerable People, and Promoting Health and Wellbeing. 

Winners were presented with their awards in the Council Chamber by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, Cllr Edwards and the council's Chief Executive, Tony Zaman.  

This year's gold winners, included two in the Helping Communities category, where Brenda Tilbury was recognised for more than 60 years' dedication to helping girl guiding in the borough and Barbara Wilsher for her commitment to Ickenham Cricket Club and the Harlington Hospice charity shop.   

Amisha Thobhani, picked up the third of the evening's top awards, receiving gold in the Promoting Health and Wellbeing category. A survivor of three brain tumours, the long-time volunteer with the Hillingdon Brain Tumour and Injury Group now dedicates her time to support and uplift others and has raised more than £10,000 for brain tumour charities in the process. 

Speaking at the ceremony, she said: "I'm honoured to receive this award. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, making our work vital.  

"Let's continue spreading awareness and advocating for more funding and research. Volunteering is my way of giving back to the community that supported me." 

Winning silver in the Helping Communities category, James White has dedicated 17 years to the Brook House Youth Football Club, where 300 children play every week, and his guidance has helped them develop teamwork, confidence and essential life skills. He also recently began coaching a new under-7s team, many with learning difficulties.  

James said: "Brook House Youth Football Club has been a part of my life for such a long time, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do. It's not only about getting kids to enjoy football but also about getting them out socialising in their local environment and being part of a team.  

"All of us within the club strive to do the same thing, so this recognition is a testament to them all." 

North Hillingdon resident, Harpal Tamber and his therapy dog Buddy won bronze in the Promoting Health and Wellbeing category for their weekly visits to Hillingdon Hospital to ease anxiety and provide comfort to patients and staff in the neurology, stroke, and children's wards. 

Harpal said: "Buddy and I are thrilled and humbled to receive this award. He is a much-loved member of our family and a registered therapy dog with the charity Pets as Therapy.    

"We've had several major breakthroughs, including stroke patients who have moved their arms to stroke Buddy which has delighted the physios working on the ward. It's a privilege to see the positive impact he has on the people we meet."  

Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: "I always enjoy hearing the inspiring stories of outstanding people in the community who have gone the extra mile to better the lives of others. 

"The Hillingdon Community Awards is our way of giving these individuals, charities and organisations the praise they richly deserve and a way of saying 'thank you' for all they do to make our borough the best place to live, work and visit." 

View the full list of award-winners atwww.hillingdon.gov.uk/community-awards