Celebrating the best in Essex

PRIDE in Essex reached a pinnacle when 24 outstanding individuals, who sum up the spirit of courage, dedication and inspiration in the county, were given recognition at the Essex Achievers awards.

Accolades were given to people of all ages in the awards scheme, run by the Essex Chronicle Media Group in conjunction with health and disability campaigner Susie Cornell.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at one of the county's most prestigious venues, Boreham House, on Friday.

Shortlisted nominees were brought together for the event and their incredible stories of bravery and commitment to the community, which set a shining example to others, were outlined at the ceremony, which was presented in style by Alan Geere, editor-in-chief of the Essex Chronicle Media Group, and Dave Monk from BBC Essex.

The winner of the Against the Odds category was Justine Laymond from Broomfield, who received her award for her courage and campaigning to promote organ donation after her own life-saving double lung transplant.

In the Going the Extra Mile category the winner was Tony McDonald-Liggins, from Brentwood, who has run 49 marathons for charity, has inspired many others to take up running and did not let a serious medical problem hold him back.

In the Young Champion category young carer Lucy-Ellen Revell and life-saving teenager William Tunningley, who rescued a fellow student from drowning, were named as joint winners.

The awards were handed over by sponsors Dave Dennison, from Directa UK, the Essex-based industrial supplies company, Anna Emtage representing M&G Investments and Emily Wright from Anglia Ruskin University.

Paying tribute to all of the people receiving awards at the ceremony main sponsor Dave Dennison said: "As an Essex man I am very proud of all the nominees and their achievements. They are all doers and don't just sit back, they get on with things regardless.

"They have inspired me and many other people and I want to thank them for that."

Susie Cornell, who has received the MBE for her work for people with disabilities, instigated the awards with the Essex Chronicle Media Group in 1994.

Speaking at the ceremony Susie said: "The awards night is always very emotional and recognition is given to some very special people.

"The idea came about after I presented some awards at a school in London. A little girl asked me if I could give her mummy, who had Multiple Sclerosis like me, an award.

"I then thought that we did not have awards of this kind in our county so I came to the Essex Chronicle and they helped me launch the Essex Achievers awards."

For 15 years the awards have brought out the best in Essex and Friday's ceremony was once again an event encapsulating the achievements of the people who help to make our county great.