Our Newham Community Heroes Awards, in partnership with the Newham Recorder, recognised the achievements of truly remarkable people who make Newham and its local community a great place to live and work.

We received over 115 nominations, and were honoured to select five inspirational winners for the awards, including community group founders and keen volunteers. In addition to having their story featured in the Newham Recorder, the winners also received tickets to the 2019 NBA London Game in January, when MSG Sport’s New York Knicks played the Washington Wizards.

YOUR COMMUNITY HEROES WINNERS

LOCAL MUSIC OR SPORT WINNER
Perry Azam

Football coach Perry set up the Flanders Football Club from scratch, taking the team from under 7s to under 14s. He has tirelessly organised weekly training sessions, home games, away games and entered the team in various tournaments.

He juggles coaching the Sunday league team on a volunteer basis with his full time job – as a paramedic – where he continues to serve his community.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER
Edward Wingate

Edward is a keen volunteer who has tirelessly given his time to help out in a number of ways, from supporting children with homework at the library to sporting events in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

He was a games maker during London 2012 and is now a West Ham support liaison officer on match days – and still manages to work as a teaching assistant during the week! Edward is always ready with a helping hand, and is a great role model for local young people.

COMMUNITY IMPACT WINNER
Sadia Nakimera

Sadia set up a group to help parents of children with autism, developmental delay and communication difficulties after receiving support for her son, who is affected by the same issues.

In addition to organising coffee mornings and other events, she also works with councils on improving special needs education.

COMMUNITY IMPACT WINNER
Annette Daniells-Smith

Annette set up the Greenhill Aphasia Group in 2005, which supports people with the language impairment aphasia, usually caused by a stroke.

She organises various trips and a Christmas dinner for members each year, visiting places in advance to check their suitability for wheelchair users, and visits group members who are in hospital.

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR WINNER
Lorraine Tabone

Lorraine set up Lola’s Homeless community group in 2015, which provides homeless people with food, clothing, showers and other essentials – as well as information about services available to them in the borough.

She and her team visit the Stratford Centre every week to support the rough sleepers who use it for shelter.

Our Community Heroes Winners