A brave lecturer who defended his home against intruders, a selfless dad keeping his daughter’s memory alive and businesses which go the extra mile have all been crowned winners at this year’s Merton Civic Awards.
The heroes of Merton were recognised for their amazing achievements at the 2015 Merton Civic Awards last night run by the Wimbledon Guardian in conjunction with the mayor of Merton’s office.
The judges had a tough job narrowing down the finalists from the many nominations, all of whom were very impressive.
A total of 28 brave and selfless members of our community were invited to the glittering awards ceremony last night with family and friends in Wimbledon’s Antoinette Hotel to enjoy some drinks, a buffet and live music.
Providing the acoustic entertainment for the evening were South Thames College music students Becka Man, 19, and Keri Narine, 22.
Among the night’s winners were father-of-four Paul Kohler, pictured below, who hit the national headlines last August when four men burst into his Wimbledon home and brutally attacked him.
When the men were eventually caught and charged, he read out a moving statement in court, facing them for the first time and demanding to know why they had done it.
He has won the Act of Courage award for the amazing way he dealt with the life-changing night.
A friend of Gordon Samuel's late daughter picked up three awards, winning the Community category, being commended in the Act of Courage category, and he was chosen as the mayor of Merton’s overall winner.
Mr Samuel, who unfortunately could not be there on the night, has been praised for his dedication to raising awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning after his daughter Katie died shortly after her fairytale wedding.
The Parent / Carer of the Year gong went to Stephanie Nimmo, who works tirelessly to keep her family together despite a number of daily challenges.
Outstanding teacher James Lindsay, who works at Ricards Lodge, picked up the best teacher award and Hannah White was the winner in the Arts and Entertainment category for her work with the Sound Lounge.
The evening was hosted by Newsquest South West London assistant editor Nick Hitchens and there was a speech by Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh.
Mr Hitchens said: "I am delighted to be part of the awards again.
"It was a pleasure to meet so many inspirational people and I am glad they can be recognised for all of their incredible achievements in this way."
The full list of winners are here:
Volunteer of the Year:
Winner: Nicola Forbes
Highly commended: Jacqui Cleaves
Commended: Dr Nihara Krause
Arts and Entertainment:
Winner: Hannah White
Highly commended: Soo Bishop
Commended: Fiona Razvi
Business of the Year:
Winner: Tots Landing
Highly commended: Andrew Scott Robertson
Commended: Zest Property Services
Community award:
Winner: Gordon Samuel
Highly Commended: Mukesh Amin
Commended: Vanessa Anenden
Teacher of the Year:
Winner: James Lindsay
Highly commended: Richard Ayidah
Commended: Veronica Ramacharran
Act of Courage:
Winner: Paul Kohler
Highly commended: Jack Fishwick
Commended: Gordon Samuel
Sporting achievement:
Winner: Barry Willingham
Highly commended: Amber Chehraz
Commended: Gordon Hughes
Parent / Carer of the Year:
Winner: Stephanie Nimmo
Highly commended: Peter Blandford
Commended: Ramsha Hassan
Young Person:
Winner: Charith Wallahagodawatta
Highly commended: Kieran Fitzpatrick
Commended: Thiviya Niranjan
Mayor of Merton’s award:
Winner: Gordon Samuel
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