Outstanding Contribution to Sussex award category supported by American Express
American Express has revealed its shortlist for the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award at the forthcoming annual Argus Community Stars Awards.
Previous winners of one of the most prestigious prizes of the night, sponsored by American Express, include astronaut Tim Peake and homeless charity campaigner Andy Winter.
Beverly Sawyers, vice president at American Express said: “The Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Award gives special recognition to one truly stand-out individual or organisation making a positive social impact across our region.
“We’re looking forward to recognising and celebrating the efforts of all the nominees at the awards ceremony in the New Year.”
The Brighton-based finance firm has selected the Saltdean Lido project and the bosses of Rockinghorse children’s charity and of Brighton Pride to go forward for public vote.
The winner will be announced at the ceremony at the Brighton Dome in January.
The Shortlist
• Paul Kemp/Pride (celebrating 5 years at the helm of Pride in December 2017)
• The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC)
• Ryan Heal (CEO Rockinghorse children’s hospital/charity - celebrating 50 years this year)
Paul Kemp, Brighton & Hove Pride Community Interest Company
Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Pride, Paul has been involved with Pride since its inception and will be marking five years at the helm of Pride CIC in December 2017.
He has helped champion the LGBT cause and grow Brighton Pride into one of the biggest events on the city’s calendar. Pride 2017 is considered to be the biggest to date with estimates from Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council of almost 400,000 people celebrating Pride in the city over the weekend.
The event marked 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales. Around 300,000 people lined the streets to watch the Brighton Pride LGBT Community Parade, with almost 100,000 people attending Pride ticketed events.
Brighton & Hove Pride has announced that they surpassed all of their fundraising expectations this year with a total of £147,263.74 raised for local causes which will be distributed as grants to LGBT and HIV organisations through the Rainbow Fund the Pride Social Impact Fund and the Pride Community Fund.
The Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC)
This project demonstrates what a group of volunteers can do. The Grade II*- listed iconic building and pool reopened in June 2017 following a seven-year restoration project and £3m of community funding.
Saltdean Lido was in a dilapidated state and in danger of being partially demolished until a local group secured a lease from the council to operate it. The Save Saltdean Lido Campaign was set up in March 2010 by local residents after plans were announced to fill in the swimming pool, develop the site extensively and create 125 apartments.
Campaigners finally won their fight to run and restore the lido three-and-a-half years later. The Saltdean Lido CIC was set up by local residents and supporters were recruited via social media.
Regular newsletters kept local people informed and engaged, and a 3,000 signature e-petition demonstrated support from the town.
A Grade II* listing was secured on the site with English Heritage. Phase 1 opened to the general public in June 2017. The refurbished outdoor site now has a 40m (131ft) heated swimming pool, a paddling pool and a "splash area".
Subject to funding, Phase 2 will see the main building restored back to its former glory with a café/restaurant/events space, community spaces and library to re-open by 2021.
Ryan Heal – Chief Executive of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity
Ryan grew up in the city and was educated at Brighton College. He used to run local radio station Juice 107.2FM and remains a non-executive director.
When his son John became very ill, Ryan and his family became regular visitors at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. Rockinghorse is the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Trevor Mann Baby Unit and many families from across Sussex will know someone who has been treated there.
In September 2012 when the charity was in search of a new Chief Executive, Ryan brought his formidable contacts and fundraising abilities to this new post and has been a driving force over the past five years.
This year marks the 50th year of Rockinghorse and as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, the charity has been fundraising to reach its target of £500,000 to allocate 10 centres and services in Sussex each with £50,000 to help them improve, refurbish, and develop their environment.
At a recent Golden Jubilee gala event attended by over 400 supporters, the half a million pounds target was reached.