Event Director of Andover Park Run for the past six years, Simon has effectively marshalled a team of run directors and volunteers to host a 5k run every Saturday.
Instrumental in making sure the event runs smoothly, he makes sure everybody feels part of the event. Due to their leadership, the participation rate has grown from 150 to 350 runners in the past five years.
It has now reached its 9000th different participant and helps attract people to the town. The event and Simon have had a huge impact on physical and mental health as well as social interaction on attendees.
Jackie has helped the Take a Break group for over ten years. Despite being severely visually impaired, Jackie still does whatever she can to help the ladies in the group.
She went above and beyond to ensure the group continued after funding stopped by negotiating a reasonable rent and fundraising. Now, Jackie visits sick members in hospital, buys Christmas gifts, supplies winter clothing and even takes them on holiday.
The group is a lifeline for members, with some attending for 15 years, and Jackie is there for everyone whenever they need her.
An avid fundraiser for many years, Dave has raised in excess of £25,000 running quiz nights for Enham Trust, as well as parachuted with the Red Devils.
His Pig racing raises vast amounts with those benefitting varying from Masonic charities to the Jamie G Sporting Trust. His unique style helps raise £8-10,000 each year.
He even had his head shaved and legs waxed as well as running various other events for Wessex Cancer Trust. He is a wonderful fundraiser, who is always willing to help raise money using his bit too cheeky character.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumour following sight loss, Katlyn decided to give something back. Treated at Southampton Neuro Ward, Katlyn has held online raffles, a boot sale and held fundraisers at school to help pay for new patient chairs in the ward.
Intending to raise £3000, Katlyn wants to make it a bit more comfortable in their time of need. Currently at £1000, Katlyn is determined to make a difficult time a little easier for parents whose children are seriously ill.
At just 14 years old, Emily’s passion and dedication for wildlife and conservation is second to none. Over the last two years, Emily has set up her own rescue centre in her back garden shed to care for sick and injured animals and birds.
Any animal too sick goes to Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital where Emily is also a volunteer. Popular in the local village and on social media, she updates her supporters with advice and articles in the world of wildlife which is always well received.
Emily regularly fundraises to care for her animals and will do anything she can to help. Her motto is every life matters, no matter how small.
Dancing since the age of four, Logan represents Andover by dancing in local, regional and national competitions with excellent results. He made the finals of the All England Dance competition in 2019 and was awarded the boys dance award at the Winchester Festival of Dance.
He also won the Dance World Cup with Team England. Fundraising for charity though dance, Logan also takes part in the Boys Dance Too movement which raises awareness and encourages boys in the arts.
At just 11 years old, he sets a good example to other local boys, encouraging them to pursue their dreams no matter what others think, trying to end the stigma of boys in dance.
Part of New Street Football Club for 30 years, Lynda has seen her children and now grandchildren play for the club.
The heart of the club, her passion, dedication and hard work over the years has earned her respect from players, parents and the local community.
Nothing is too much trouble, spending all weekend, every weekend supporting the club and they wouldn’t be where they are now without her dedication. Lynda makes football inclusive to all in society.
Graded at blackbelt at 21 in Kyouken MMA/Jujitsu, Jessie trains, enters and wins competitions while working a full time security job as well as finding time to draw and paint.
Recently crowned World Champion for individual sports in Florida, Jessie is a true role model to her peers. She defines what women are capable of and maintains it with a great sense of modesty.
Now Jessie helps teach adults and children free of charge in her own time. A fantastic young lady, inspirational and a brilliant student.
Jordan has raised over £1million for charity as well as over £100,000 for a small local charity last year alone.
A former soldier and now part of Channel 4’s Hunted, this person is a motivational speaker at local charity events and delivers free workshops in schools and colleges to help motivate and encourage the children of Andover. He talks with such passion about military values of courage, respect, integrity, discipline and commitment which inspires every child he meets.
He regularly attends epilepsy action meetings at Andover Mencap to show sufferers that anything is possible. A true unsung of Andover.
Katherine’s relentless passion, energy, and enthusiasm to make Andover a better place to live is exceptional. She has worked to get public access defibrillators installed around Andover, as well as enrolling Andover Town Council, TVBC and the National Defibrillator charity to arrange match funding.
In 2016, Katherine founded the Andover Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme, identifying local places whom welcome and support mothers. A peer supporter, campaigner and fundraiser for breastfeeding support, Katherine was instrumental in making Clarkes shoe shops nationally welcome breast feeding.
Katherine campaigned for six commemorative WW1 benches and has successfully fought to reopen the Andover Birth Centre. She has run A-Fest and fundraises for Andover Mencap and Abel Foundation as well as local mental health causes.
The manager of the White Hart, and now Area Manager, Mark has gone above and beyond for the community. He has helped at various charity organisations and groups, as well as getting involved in group to help the town.
He has reintroduced Andover Pub Watch, to help night-time businesses and is now chairman. He lets out the function room at the White Hart free of charge to various charities and groups across Andover, as well as offering marketing, fundraising and advice.
He has secured so much support and funding for several organisations and charities in Andover which wouldn’t have happened without him. His most notable gesture to date was offering free accommodation to those affected by the Ocado fire.
Born prematurely with Cerebral Palsy, Chloe has never let her disability get in the way of achieving her dreams. Working full time for Enham Trust, she’s received awards as well as skydiving for the charity.
Chloe has also worked for Headway and has set up a young person’s social group. She is willing to help anyone having difficulties. Graduating university, driving her own car, saving to buy a house and excelling in her job role, she is an inspiration to everyone she meets.
A long supporter of Icknield School for over ten years, Derek has donated money to the children every term.
With 83 children, his donations are to each individual child so even a small donation adds up. He is a very kind and generous man who has helped many children over the years by adding to their gifts at the end of term.
He never misses a holiday, is a humble man who like to help those children who may be underprivileged and their families.
Alyson took over the Abbotts Ann fun club for year five and six children at the local school. The club is not only fun but educational, teaching skills, confidence and independence while supporting the local community.
Alyson loans out her kitchen to teach cooking skills and even arranges transport for children to attend secondary school.
From making, baking and selling to raise money for charity to creating Mother’s Day cards for the residents of Willow Court, Andover Hospital, Alyson teaches children life skills as well as how to help other and their community.
John is an integral part of the community in Andover through his work with the Scouts and through the arts. John inspires engagement in the arts through supporting town centre events such as A-Fest and the 215.
The artistic director of the 215, the project focussed on creating a tribute to mark the centenary of WW1. This project was created by over 5000 residents bringing them together as a community and creating a legacy which 3000 people attended.
John’s passion for this project, and all things art is obvious throughout the town which the community will remember for years to come.
Suzy has spent her life in her community, volunteering on many committees, spent ten years helping mayoral charities and volunteering at local businesses.
Suzy has sourced raffle prizes for over 500 events as well as helping to raise over £100,000 for local charities. Currently, Suzy helps at the Lights and at Enham Trust. She’s supported ten mayors and shows no sign of retiring.
Christine Mellor from David Mellor Family Jewellers, Main Sponsors of the Pride of Andover Awards, said of the event and of the Spirit of Andover Award winner:
"We're delighted to choose Jordan, a most worthy recipient of the Pride of Andover Awards' highest accolade!
Andover is proud to acknowledge this man's inspirational achievements, benefitting those less fortunate; locally, nationally, and internationally."
Now in its 13th year, the Pride of Andover Awards exists to shed light on the town’s unsung heroes – endorsing the inspiring and often selfless actions of Andover’s most generous individuals; promoting a sense of pride in our unique north Hampshire town.