FOLLOWING hundreds of nominations from the people of Hailsham, the shortlisted nominees in the forthcoming Hailsham Hero Awards have been announced.
Online voting is now open to find the winner of each category which will be chosen by the readers of Hailsham News and listeners of Hailsham FM.
The awards evening will take place on Friday 18th October at the Hailsham Town Football Club, The Beaconsfield at the Western Road Recreation Ground. Tickets for the event will be available soon.
To vote, just on each category below or visit hailshamhero.co.uk or to vote for who you want to be crowned the winner.
Voting closes at 23:59 on 30th September.
FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
Wayne Spicer
Radio Presenter Wayne Spicer completed a 24-hour Radiothon show to not only celebrate his 400th show with Hailsham FM, but also to raise money for the station and You Raise Me Up.
More than £2,000 was raised for the charity which supports families who have suffered the loss of a young person aged 16-25 years.
Millie Edwards
Millie has completed a great deal of charity work for the YMCA. Last Christmas, Milie held ‘Love in a Box’ for the residents of the YMCA’s in the local areas.
The community donated lots of gifts which Millie put together in shoeboxes. She also participated in a skydive in Sailsbury raising over £500. The YMCA is a close charity to Millie, as she was in supported accommodation during a difficult time in her life which allowed her to get back on her feet.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service
In 1996, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) was established as a voluntary group to aid individuals who come across sick, injured, orphaned, or trapped wildlife, who don’t have owners to look after them.
The charity now helps around 5-6,000 casualties annually, offering essential help and support during such trying times relieving the pressure and anxiety on finders as well as helping to relieve the suffering of our precious wildlife and return to the wild.
Hailsham Foodbank
The Foodbank is run by local people for local people — it relies on the community’s support to ensure it can continue to stop people going hungry.
In 2022, the Foodbank became an independent charity keeping the same trustees and links with local churches. It is a Christian charity with around 50 volunteers from local churches and across the community.
Children with Cancer Fund (Polegate)
CWCF was formed in July 1998 and is made up of a small office team and local volunteers, with the main thought being to enable the children and families of the children with cancer, to have a quality of life that we would hope to have themselves.
Most of the time it means giving them treats or buying them something they have missed out on, normally due to the fact that their money has been spent fighting the illness or burning up petrol going to and from the hospital for treatment.
Rosie’s Register
Helping lost & found cats in the Eastbourne & surrounding area. Rosie previously helping at Cats Protection set up her own “Rosie’s Register” Cats lost and found.
Rosie has tirelessly for over 20 years run Rosie’s Register, rarely having time for herself. Dedicated helpers set up humane cat traps and collect cats so they can returned to their owner. Rosie does all the info taking, calling vets, social media and contacting helpers.
Hailsham Community Fire Station
Hailsham Community Fire Station helps keep the public safe not just by responding to emergencies like crashes and fires, but by getting involved in the community to prevent emergencies in the first place.
Hailsham Hockey Club
At Hailsham Hockey Club, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant community spirit through the love of hockey.
The club offers a diverse range of teams for all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the sport. It believes in the importance of physical activity for overall well-being, social connections, and personal growth.
Hailsham Boxing Club
It’s essential that all children have access to boxing, ensuring that money is never a barrier.
It’s a great way to get fit, learn discipline, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. For the community, these programmes offer a positive space that keeps kids engaged and out of trouble. It brings everyone together, creating a sense of unity and support as parents and locals cheer on the young boxers and get involved with the club.
Pass it On: Community Fridge
This nonmeans tested initiate stops thousands of tonnes of food going to waste by allowing residents to enjoy it, rather than letting supermarkets dispose of it.
Open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, the Pass it On Community Fridge is only possible thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS)
This charity helps around 5-6,000 animals each year, providing crucial support during these challenging situations.
By easing the burden on those who find injured animals, WRAS not only alleviates human anxiety but also reduces the suffering of valuable wildlife, ultimately returning them to their natural habitats.
MAYOR’S HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD
Tony Biggin
Tony has been nominated to recognise his hard work and dedication to
ensure the Hailsham Festival takes place in the town each year.
Alison Ridley
Nominated for helping people in the community and support for the bonfire community across East Sussex.
Zoe Prior
Nominated for her continuous hard work at the ‘Pass It On – Community Fridge’, to stop food going to waste seven days a week.
Mark Bomber Hopwood
Mark spends so much time setting up charity motorbike rides, such as prom rides, funeral processions and charity events. His group, ‘Rolling Rides’ now has over 1,000 members.
OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSON AWARD(Late Category)
Harry Sefton
Services and support to IHex Explorer Scouts Troop – Delivering varied activity programmes to scouts between the ages of 10 – 14 and always going that extra mile.
Tilly Avery
Services and support to IHex Explorer Scouts – moving her way through the ranks, Tilly demonstrates compassion for young team members coaching and supporting young people to settle into the troops.
Jess Avery
Services and support to IHex Explorer Scouts – moving her way through the ranks, Jess has had a positive impact on 100s of young scouts, giving up her time to get involved in activities, always demonstrating care and compassion for fellow young troop members.
Mollie Crosbie
Services and support to Hailsham Cricket Club, always going that extra mile for the club and its many volunteers Mollie has a can-do attitude and is a respected member of the group.
