The Stars of Suffolk final is always an event to be rejoiced, but this year the nominees excelled with true tales of courage, strength and dedication demonstrating just what an outstanding place the county is.
Launched by businessman Mick Parker 10 years ago, the awards look to celebrate the unsung heroes in our county, who have overcome diversity, battled against the odds and worked tirelessly within their communities.
There was barely a dry eye at Trinity Park last night, and several candidates saw the audience stand in ovation in support of their achievements.
More awards than ever before were presented, with the introduction of the Lifetime Achievement and Lifetime Sporting Achievement categories.
Each winner received a prize tailored to their own interests, with a 10-night Fred. Olsen cruise, a £400 Coes of Ipswich shopping spree and pamper sessions at Ufford Park among the fantastic gifts donated by a number of Suffolk companies.
Brad Jones, EADT and Ipswich Star editor, said: “This is undoubtedly one of the best nights of the year in Suffolk.
“We are delighted to help recognise the really wonderful work that goes on in Suffolk.”
Mick Parker said: “What a fantastic evening. The tales we hear on the night never cease to amaze me.
“The awards have done exactly what we set out to do - to celebrate so called ordinary people who do such extraordinary things, and expect nothing in return.
“Year on year the awards just get better and better, which is demonstrated by us creating new categories for 2017. Well done not only to our exceptional winners, but also to our outstanding finalists. The judges had no easy task in choosing the winners. You truly are all Stars of Suffolk.
“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and to those who donated prizes, without whom these awards would not be possible.”
Here are your winners:
Overall Star of Suffolk 2017 and Young Person of the Year
Eve Brooks-Parkin
Special Recognition
Diana Porter, Fresh Start – New Beginnings
Unsung Hero
Mat Bayfield
Judges special award
Shaun Whiter
Lifetime Achievement
Terry Hunt and Nigel Pickover
Carer of the year
Elysha Youngs
Outstanding Sporting Achievement
Jordan Catchpole
Inaugural Lifetime Sporting Achievement
Allan Girot, Ann Negus, Brian Perks
Community Champion
Janice Scott
Outstanding Bravery
Isaac Bell
Hospital Person of the Year
Charlie Martin & Ali Angel
Team of the Year
Café 66
Search and Rescue Person of the Year
John Cresswell
Fire Person of the Year
Brian Hawes
Volunteer of the Year
Irene Rowe
Armed Services Person of the Year
Gary Croot
Police Person of the Year
Ginny Shoesmith
For full details on the winning candidates and more pictures from the night, grab your eight-page supplement in Monday’s EADT and Ipswich Star.
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