See who are the winners of the Argus Community Stars Awards

Hundreds packed into The Grand yesterday to honour some true local heroes at the Argus community stars awards.

And it was the youngsters who stole the show with their inspirational stories.

This year three children shared the Courageous Child of the Year award.

Three-year-old Maisy Leigh was born prematurely at 36 weeks and she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that affects only about 200 people in the world.

Her mother Hayleigh said: “Not many children with Coffin Siris Syndrome survive to their teenage years.

“The condition affects all parts of Maisy’s body, such as walking, standing up, eating and eyesight.”

Maisy started pre-school at Kamelia Kids last year,

Her father, Luke Leigh, said: “We live each day like it’s our last. We are very proud of Maisy.”

Oscar Clitheroe, 11, of Brighton, lives with the extremely rare condition Ring 5 Chromosome Syndrome, which stunts his growth and led to him being bullied about his height.

Oscar started at Hove Park School this year and made a film, It’s Alright to be Different, with an anti-bullying message.

He said: “I am really happy to be chosen for this award. We are different and it’s OK to be different.”

Chase Wells, aged nine, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was just 18 months old.

But Chase was determined to play the sport he loves – football.

He joined Albion in the Community’s football sessions for young people with disabilities, and has been identified as a potential international player.

He said: “I absolutely love playing football. Mum and dad are very proud of me. I am going to hang this award in my room.”

Long-time Portslade community volunteer Joan Sullivan won the Volunteer of the Year award for her dedication to the Royal British Legion. The 88-year-old, of Sheldon Crescent, has been selling poppies outside Tesco in Portslade for 38 years.

She said: “It’s wonderful to win this award as there was a lot of strong competition.”

Jenny Skelton, of Coombe Vale, Saltdean, was the winner of the Carer of the Year award.

When her adopted daughter suffered discrimination in a pub because of her disability, Jenny set up Disability Pride Brighton to raise awareness of diversity.

Jenny said: “I feel very great – I knew I was nominated for the award, but I didn’t expect to win.”

Tradesman Mat French won the Local Hero of the Year award. He became an instant hero after taking upon himself to clear up rubbish on Hove beach.

The winner of the Beyond the Call of Duty award was Ryan Walshe. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 20 and has saved at least three boys’ lives by giving talks at schools.

Gary Wallis took home the Contribution to Sussex Sport award. In 2016, he set up a community-based football academy as part of East Preston FC.

He now has more 110 young people playing for the club.

Burning the Clocks, created by Same Sky, won the Community Event accolade, for bringing Brighton to mark the shortest day of the year on December 21.

Vicki Hughes, a trustee, said: “We feel really proud to win the award. It had been tough organising the event but it was a success.”

Crew Club in Whitehawk took home the Youth Group award.

Founder Lorraine Snow said: “It hasn’t been easy ride for us even though it has been 20 years. We are just hoping to carry on with what we do.”

The Contribution to Arts and Culture award went to Brighton organisation, Miss Represented, which helps young women regain confidence through art.

Philanthropist Robert Senior was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Sussex award.

He co-founded the Depot cinema in Lewes and it is considered one of the most environmentally-friendly cinemas in the world. Last year he was nominated for the Screen International Cinema of the Year award.

The heroic actions of medical staff did not go unsung as the Amex medical team took the 999 Award.

Albion’s matchday medical team saved five people’s lives at the stadium.

The team also won the Workplace Hero category at the St Johns Ambulance Everyday Heroes Awards.

David Hill, founder of marketing company The E3 Group, won the Business in the Community category: “We have been supporting the Chestnut Tree House for ten years. I am thrilled to win this award and that our work across the county has been recognised.”

Swimmer Fabienne Andre, 21, overcame her disability to win four medals at the Cerebral Palsy World Games last year and picked up the Defying All The Odds award.

She said: “I hope that my story will inspire others to not give up and follow their dreams.”

Clive Bonny, founder of PassivPod, won the Green Project of the Year award. The eco start-up, based in Lloyd Close, Hove, is a zero-carbon building which can be used as holiday accommodation, classroom, garden, office or home.

Sixteen-year-old Ella McCaughan from Seaford won the Young Sports Star of the Year.

She is a member of the Sussex Girls Academy based at the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy.

Ella has been chosen to take part in the prestigious ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough and has appeared in four matches of the Royal London Women’s One-Day Cup.

She said: “I started playing cricket when I was 11 and I hope to play for England one day.”

Elsa Gillio won the Community Star of the Year for her dedication to the Argus Appeal, which has become one of the most highly regarded charities in Sussex.

The Argus Achievement Award went to St John Ambulance Homeless Service, for the volunteers, nurses, podiatrist and drivers who care for rough sleepers.

Bruno, the coordinator, said: “We are thrilled to get the award and it is all thanks to our volunteers and dedicated staff who go above and beyond to help the homeless.”

Argus editor Arron Hendy said: “It was a most amazing afternoon listening to so many amazing stories, stories of everyday people who have achieved so much I take my hat of to them all.”

‘When I play the violin I forget all the bullies’

Matthew English has always loved music. He learnt to play the violin when he was six years old.

The 13-year-old from Lancing was born with microtia atresia, meaning he has only one ear and is hearing impaired.

He uses his musical talent to raise money for charity – and this generosity of spirit is what helped him win this year’s Young Community Star award.

Matthew said: “When I play the violin, I forget all about my little ear and that I can’t hear properly and all the kids have bullied me.

“It’s been amazing and overwhelming for me to win.”
Mathew has raised more than £6,000 for Hearing Fund UK through playing the violin, including over £1,000 when he was busking in Lancing and Shoreham.

“I want to use the money to build a bench on Lancing seafront in memory of my good friend who passed away recently,” he said.

“I want to do more to help the charity and other children who look different.”

His mother Janice said that Matthew had always been driven to help others.

The Charity of the Year award went to Amanda’s Angels, which raises money for Cancer Research UK.

In 2008, mother-of-two Amanda Woodhouse, 48, was diagnosed with a grade-four brain tumour.

Since her diagnosis, she has raised more than £75,000 for brain cancer research with the help of family and friends. Amanda was also a regular at Race for Life. 

Amanda lost her battle with cancer in November last year. Yesterday, her sons Jack, 22, and Max, 18, received the award on behalf of their mother.

Jack said: “This is our mother’s legacy and we want to keep her story alive to inspire others who have been diagnosed with cancer. 

“Our mother would have been very proud, and she would have wanted to continue to help as many people as possible. She touched everyone with her laughter, smile, continuous generosity and positivity.”

Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK, said: “Amanda was a fantastic, passionate supporter and her legacy will be that she will have helped more patients survive cancer in the future.”

• See The Argus newspaper on Wednesday for the special Community Stars 8-page picture supplement