A COVID-19 support group and the Warwick Hospital Frailty Unit staff were among the winners at the first MP Community Awards event.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western led the virtual ceremony last Thursday (February 18).
Almost 3,500 people tuned in to watch the event which was hosted by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire presenter Phil Upton.
From nearly 100 nominations, the judges selected eight winners.
Mr Western said: “The inaugural awards event couldn’t have gone much better – though hopefully we will be able to hold it in person next year!
“I want to commend all those who were nominated and shortlisted - everyone deserved recognition for their services.
“You have all clearly touched the lives of many and supported or brought joy to those who nominated you.
“Naturally, I want to pay special tribute to the winners for their outstanding efforts to help the Warwick and Leamington community during an extremely challenging 12 months."
Model and British Vogue cover star Edie Campbell gave a speech and thanked all nominees for their services to the community.
The live event was set up and curated by Leamington web developers and production company Noisegate Media.
Click here for the full video of the event: https://mattwestern.org/news-article/live-matt-westerns-mp-awards-for-community-excellence/
1. MP Community Awards: Special Recognition Award
The Warwick and Leamington COVID-19 Mutual Aid group won the Special Recognition Award.The grassroots organisation has formed a team of 80 active volunteers since its creation last March. It has delivered more than 1,350 care packages containing food, medicine and supplies, and made nearly 5,000 phone calls to lonely residents. Mutual Aid group administrator Tracy Kewley (pictured left, with volunteers Christine Hardy and Hugh Foden, said: “The Facebook group helped to bring everyone together and became a forum for mutual aid, as well as a trusted source of information. Everyone in the group is delighted to have been recognised.”
2. MP Community Awards: Team Award
The team award went to the Warwick Hospital Frailty Unit which was converted into a COVID-19 ward and delivered high quality care to the most vulnerable throughout the pandemic.
3. MP Community Awards: Individual Award
Gary Harvey of Cool Breeze Technology Services was one of the three individual award winners. He has donated more than 170 laptops to youngsters in need.
4. MP Community Awards: Individual award
The second individual award went to the Care Bureau's healthcare assistant Kerry Rockcliffe was was recognised for working 13-hour days to provide comfort and dignity to end-of-life virus patients – many without family or friends. Sadly she was ill and not able to make the ceremony so we don't have a photo of her.