Super Sussex grandparents in the limelight for Argus Achievement Awards

Despite both suffering through ill health, the couple continue to look after not only their own children but their children’s children.

Most grandparents have the luxury of being able to spoil their grandchildren before passing them back to their parents when the tears come.

But not 48-year-old Berni and 59-year-old Ernest.

The couple are full-time guardians for two of their grandchildren.

Despite Berni continuing to recover from a stroke and Ernest suffering from a bad hip, the pair devote their lives to making sure the 12- year-old and seven-year-old get the best possible start in life.

Auntie to the two children and daughter of Berni and Ernest, Kelly Dhabia, also lives with her parents at their home in Whitehawk Way, Whitehawk.

She said: “They are fantastic.

“They have given their lives to looking after the family.

“They work tirelessly 24/7 and I really think they deserve this award.

“They both have medical problems but that doesn’t stop them, they’re amazing.”

“It has been hard for my mum and dad because they are not young and I’d love for them to get this award.”

Granddad Alan Randall died at home unexpectedly in October last year. He was 66.

The loving husband, dad and granddad, worked at the Brighton Health Authority before becoming chief executive of the trust running Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital in Shoreham.

However, perhaps his biggest achievement was when – along with his daughter – he set up Yellowave beach volleyball centre on Brighton seafront.

This year has also seen a host of grandparents recognised for their bravery as part of the Second World War’s Arctic convoy campaign.

Will Baker was just 18 when he volunteered to sail the icy seas for the war effort.

The Brighton born-and-bred granddad endured bone chilling temperatures and the dreaded U-boats to return home after the war and bring up a family.

Fred Brindley, of Burgess Hill, was another to receive his campaign medal this year.

The 94-yer-old had the crucial job of helping transport Winston Churchill across the treacherous Atlantic for a meeting with the US President.

Shirley Price, dubbed action gran, topped off a fantastic year of fundraising with a trip to Buckingham Palace in May.

The 80-year-old holder of an MBE has found herself strapped to the wings of a biplane and freefalling at over 100mph in the name of charity.

Among the organisations to benefit from the Hailsham woman’s heroics are East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People (ESAB) and the Herons Ghyll Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group.

Tell us about your inspirational teachers, carers, volunteers, pupils and more.

We want to know which charity deserves recognition along with the most deserving business in the community, event, school, local hero and many more.

There are a number of ways you can have your say. You can simply fill out the online entry form.

You can also send your suggestion by email to ben.james@theargus.co.uk.