Recognition for Swale Heros

A couple who’ve spent the last 25 years tirelessly raising money for Kent Air Ambulance have won in the Outstanding Achievement category at the Volunteer Swale Awards.

Deirdre and Dennis Ines have been volunteering for over 25 years, and have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Kent Air Ambulance through events such as a bike ride around Cuba and a charity parachute jump.

A ceremony at the Barnyard, Upchurch, on Friday 01 March saw Swale council recognise community champions who go above and beyond to help others in the borough.

Judges had to choose winners for eight categories from almost 70 nominations at a ceremony.

Categories included sport, the environment and fundraising.

A council spokesperson said: “volunteers in Swale put in so much hard work year-round, and often go un-thanked or unnoticed. These awards are the perfect opportunity for us to highlight the work that these hidden heroes do, and to celebrate and thank them for their efforts within the community.”

This year’s winners are:

Community Champion of the Year Award
Citizens Advice Service (Swale) Volunteers

Volunteering Contribution to Community Safety
Keeley Beaney

Volunteering Contribution to the Environment
Kelly Rhodes

Volunteering Contribution to Sport
Michael Santangelo

Volunteering to Support Older People
Oasis Academy Dementia Cafe

Volunteering to Support Young People
Nicola Baker

Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Fun for Life

Outstanding Achievement Award
Deirdre and Dennis Ines