Donna not only epitomises an inspirational campaigner, but a mother who has turned a challenging situation into something far greater. After finding out that her daughter Frankie has Down’s Syndrome, Donna created a Facebook page Frankie says Relax about T21 that has now gained more than 8,000 likes.
She continues to strive to raise money and help educate people about Down’s Syndrome, showing determination and selflessness along her journey.
The Andover Town Band works tirelessly in the community – entertaining the people of Andover in an enthusiastic and fun way. Run by a team of dedicated and talented volunteers, the brass band have a calendar full of concerts and events and support aspiring musicians through tutoring and its Musician Awards Scheme.
We are always looking forward to their next appearance, bringing joy and laughter to the people of Andover.
Theo is one of the founding members of the Andover Town Youth Council and now takes a leadership role as Deputy Executive. Although he is only 15, he has devoted the past 3 years to develop and implement community projects and to be a positive role model to the youth of Andover.
He is a natural born leader and incredibly mature for his age – and has now successfully stood for the National Youth Parliament.
A Teaching Assistant at Pilgrims Cross School, Debi is an outstanding individual with an unfailing determination to educate children in a happy and safe environment. From helping at after-school-clubs to cooking, she is always there with a beaming smile on her face.
Debi has also gone above and beyond to help children struggling with school work and on many occasions has stayed after school in her own time to give advice to children and their parents.
Mandy has come a long way after finding herself in a very dark place and struggling with addiction. She has overcome a huge amount and has completely got rid of her demons, all while raising 4 children single-handedly and with a full-time job.
She now devotes a lot of time inspiring others who are embarking on a similar journey towards recovery. We wish her the best of luck in the future.
As the Executive of the Andover Town Youth Council, Jordan has worked tirelessly to be the voice of the youth, inspiring others in the process. In the last 3 years, Jordan was instrumental in the implementation of the Youth Survey and goes above the call of duty to ensure the young people of Andover are represented and listened to.
He continues to lead the Andover Town Youth Council, helping find new ways to improve Andover for the town’s young people.
After a serious accident at 11, Lauren doesn't let her disability stop her from supporting and improving the lives of adults with a learning disability.
After starting a job at Andover and District Mencap, she has gone the extra mile, overcoming her own challenges along the way - putting on various activities and interacting with staff and members with lots of enthusiasm.
Scott is a highly-trained and long-standing carer for visually-impaired Stephen, a well-known character who works tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for Dogs for the Disabled. His partner-in-crime, Scott charms everyone in Andover to give what they can to such a worthwhile cause – together they have raised more than £9,000.
In Stephen’s words, Scott is his rock, making a huge impact that has transformed his life for the better.
At 4 years old, Teeanna was diagnosed with Marfans and Scoliosis – wearing a plastic back brace for 23 hours a day until she stopped growing and undergoing numerous operations. However, the unbearable pain hasn’t stopped her from becoming a hugely talented individual.
She left Harrow Way with amazing GCSE results, including 7 A’s, hiked for 3 days to achieve her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and spent 4 days canoeing to achieve the Baden Powell Guides Award. What an inspirational young lady!
Unfortunately, wife and mum-of-two Nicki was diagnosed with bowel cancer last December, a battle which she sadly lost on the 7th September this year. However, her courage and pure grit and determination lives on after she continued to fundraise for Cancer Research throughout her treatment, raising more than £9000 in total.
This includes competing in the Race for Life with 70 other ‘Team Nicki’ participants at the height of her treatment just three months ago.
Girl Guide leader Nickie went above and beyond when she found out that the waiting lists in Andover were getting longer. She opened a new Rainbow group and every year she uses her holiday allowance from her full-time job to hold fun camps.
As well as volunteering for Frankie says Relax about T21, she also helps a charity helping children in Africa and is a tele-mentor helping young people across the world achieve their full potential.
As well as being a busy wife and mother, Lilly goes out of her way to help parents and in Andover by volunteering at a church group, helping at a food bank at St Pauls Church and running a baby group ‘Little Lights’.
On top of this, Lilly recognised a desperate need for a parent support group and set up ‘Andover Parent Meetups’, often reaching into her pocket and taking the time to organise days out and get-togethers.
Retired business man Max is a familiar face in the community and although 81 years old, he is always looking for new ways to put smiles on people’s faces.
Whether it’s litter picks, free car services, tree planting, buying flowers for the Andover War Memorial Hospital and Copper Beeches, selling balloons for Red Nose Day or his famous Christmas window display in support of Help for Heroes, he has a passion for making people happy through his generous efforts – and we applaud him for that.
Paula really does work around the clock to help the people of Andover. She volunteers for STEPS – a learning disability activity group that holds weekly social and skills groups. Without Paula’s intervention, STEPS would cease to exist, after losing its premises a few years ago.
Not only does Paula lead this worthwhile organisation with enthusiasm and dedication, she manages The Junction during the day – changing the lives of young people who are not in education, training or employment.
Donna not only epitomises an inspirational campaigner, but a mother who has turned a challenging situation into something far greater. After finding out that her daughter Frankie has Down’s Syndrome, Donna created a Facebook page Frankie says Relax about T21 that has now gained more than 8,000 likes.
She continues to strive to raise money and help educate people about Down’s Syndrome, showing determination and selflessness along her journey.