Local heroes awarded

Published Monday 20 May, 2024
Last updated on Thursday 23 May, 2024

Swale’s unsung heroes were recognised and celebrated at this year’s Civic Award ceremony.

Every year Swale Borough Council asks the public to nominate residents who work tirelessly to better their communities, with the mayor and judging panel honouring them with awards.

Gary Axford, founder of Faversham Strike Force FC, Stewart Kitching, chairman of the Swale Stroke Group, and couple Brenda and Peter Fathers, chair and fundraising officer of MS Swale, were all awarded the Civic Award which commends their efforts to make Swale a better place.

Whilst Paul Murray MBE, board member of Sheppey Matters, Swale CVS, and Swale Community Leisure, won the special Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award which recognises a person’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

Rev Dan Corcoran, founder of Gems Awards and Mobile Youth Trailers, and Jason Firmager, founder of Mentalk-health, have also been given the Highly Commended Award, thanking them for their selfless community work.

Cllr Sarah Stephen, who presented the awards as Mayor before her Mayoral Term ended on Wednesday, said:

“These awards are a way for us to recognise the efforts of people in our borough who are working tirelessly to help those around them.

“There were so many amazing nominations it made our job of choosing the winners incredibly difficult.

“A huge thank you to everyone for their hard work and service, and even if you didn’t win this award, or weren’t nominated, we appreciate anyone’s efforts to make Swale a better place.

“I would also like to thank my fellow judges: Cllrs Baldock, Cllr Lehmann, Cllr Bowen, Cllr Clark and Cllr Charles Gibson, for their insight, wisdom and time spent in reviewing and considering all the nominations.”

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee, said:

“Seeing all of these amazing people and their efforts to help those around them is incredibly inspiring.

“They have touched countless lives helping people with suffering from mental health issues, stroke survivors, people with multiple sclerosis, the youth of Swale and many, many more.

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our community, we commend you for all that you do.”

Highly Commended Award:

Jason Firmager, a hypnotherapist and counsellor, founded the Mentalk-health group to help men with mental health issues speak freely and without judgement and has saved numerous men’s lives through the prevention of suicide.

His nominator said “He has the ability to help restore confidence and save the lives of men with mental health problems. He is a visionary whose passion and tenacity is the driving force which inspires not only the men he helps, but the team behind him.  He has always gone above the call of duty and is fiercely committed to the men he helps.”

Rev Dan Corcoran has created two mobile youth centres which set up in parks and community spaces and give young people a safe, welcoming place to meet, eat and play sports and games. He also organises the Faversham Gem awards where, often overlooked, young people are celebrated for going that extra mile to make life ‘sparkle’.

His nominator said “He gives up so much of his own time and money to make the lives of others better. He is such a personable man and the young people know he will not judge them.  I Highly recommended him as a pillar of our community.”

Civic Award

Husband and wife Brenda and Peter Fathers work have worked tirelessly their entire lives to help others. Brenda helped form Multiple sclerosis (MS) Swale whilst Peter works as the fund-raising officer. Peter also setup the Bowls Club to help members stay fit and socialise, having fundraised for and purchased speciality wheelchairs.

Their nominator said: “From small beginnings, MS Swale is now a thriving, local based, registered charity supporting its members. Brenda is MS Swale, without her at the helm, the group would not be so successful. Without Peter there would be no Para-bowls club or South East Bowls Tournament. None of the amazing achievements would be possible without husband and wife team Brenda and Peter Fathers.”

Gary Axford, founder of Faversham Strike Force FC, has dedicated over 25 years of his life to the club's development and community enhancement. The club, with over 690 playing members across 42 teams, is a registered charity that provides football opportunities for all ages and abilities including Walking Football, youth sessions, and social inclusion projects. As the Club Manager and treasurer, Gary oversees a turnover of £144,000 all of which is reinvested into the club and community facilities.

His nominator said: “To commit over 25 years of one's life to an organisation without any financial gain, sacrificing over 5000 hours, is truly admirable. Gary's selflessness and drive have undoubtedly made Faversham a better place. Gary's impact on the community is truly remarkable.”

Stewart Kitching, Chairman of the Swale Stroke Group, helps provide local support for stroke survivors and their families. Stewart suffered a stroke and had to re-learn how to speak, read and write but was determined to succeed and help and support others through the same journey. His selfless work earned him the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Champion Award. He also helped set up and runs the Sittingbourne Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club with Richard Emmett.

His nominator said: “He spends a great deal of his personal time ensuring that the Group is well run and supported This is the only group in the area which is supporting local people who have suffered a stroke.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

Paul Murray MBE is a board member for Sheppey Matters, Swale CVS, and Swale Community Leisure and has dedicated much of his life to supporting and helping the residents of Sheppey and the whole of Swale. He founded the Dementia Café at the Oasis Academy which works with students and local organisations to raise funds for, and help, people with dementia. He is also the Branch President of The Royal British Legion on the Isle of Sheppey and volunteers most Saturdays at The Lees Park run as a Marshall.

His nominator said: “There are very few who can match his dedication, commitment, and passion to help the people on The Isle of Sheppey over the last four decades.”