7:10pm Monday 7th September 2009
By Julie Magee
MEET Bournemouth’s unsung heroes who make up the amazing line-up of finalists in this year’s Daily Echo backed Unsung Heroes Awards.
Judges have been moved by the incredible stories of kindness of local men and women who have devoted their lives to helping others.
They include Jess Griffiths, 27, who battled anorexia to set up a charity offering support to other eating disorder sufferers and the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat team which promotes the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors in the area.
Harry Masters, 64, from Talbot Woods who helps rehabilitate young men released from prison, and Michael Bliss, 76, who drives the Bournemouth Accessible Transport Bus three days a week, are finalists in the Heart of Gold category.
Bruce Bedlam, 58, and Bill Moffatt, 58, who have dedicated a year to renovating a pensioner’s neglected garden in Boscombe East, and environmental campaigner Harriet Stewart-Jones, 53, are in the running for the Clean and Green award.
Robin Dawkins and the Kings Park Boscombe football project have been shortlisted for the crime buster award.
Organiser Clare Hickinbotham from Bournemouth 2026 said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with stories of people carrying out great acts of kindness for others every day.”
Tickets for the awards ceremony at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Hotel on September 30 cost £25 and can be purchased by contacting Clare on 01202 436887.
The finalists: ROBIN DAWKINS volunteers at Teen Wheels, a charity teaching mechanics to young people aged from 13 to 17. He said: “I enjoy helping the children to learn. Some of them hope to pursue this as a career.”
JESS GRIFFITHS conquered anorexia and has dedicated her life to helping others with eating disorders. At her lowest point she was rushed to hospital because her heart had stopped beating. She said: “There is hope of recovery.”
BRUCE BEDLAM and BILL MOFFAT have spent the past year transforming a pensioner’s rundown garden and restoring it to its former glory. Bruce said: “It’s been a labour of love and the neighbours are delighted.”
MICHAEL BLISS has devoted 13 years to helping the elderly and disabled get around. He said: “There but for the grace of God go I. It’s great to be giving something back and getting to know so many people.”
HARRIET STEWART-JONES is passionate about environmental issues, volunteering for Bournemouth’s Big Green Fortnight earlier this year. She co-ordinated volunteers, organised talks and ran the wildlife zone at an open day.”
HARRY MASTERS helps young offenders get back into society, visiting inmates in prison and acting as their buddy after release. He said: “I don’t expect to change the world but it’s good to remind them what they can achieve.”
THE PINK CHAMPAGNE DRAGON BOAT TEAM is a registered charity promoting the health and wellbeing of breast cancer survivors in the Bournemouth area who have tirelessly fundraised to buy their own boat and restore it.
KINGS PARK FOOTBALL PROJECT members give up every Thursday evening to bring the sport to young people in Boscombe. The project aims to reduce antisocial behaviour by boosting their health and self-confidence.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisisdorset.net/trade_directory/