Jeremy has been volunteering for Andover Young Carers for 5 years. He is a highly valued member of the management committee, with vast knowledge and the drive and enthusiasm to do his absolute best for all the young carers.
Running an after-school club for carers ages 7-11, he’s given these children a chance to relax and play alongside others who understand without judgement.
Dressing up as Santa and Pudsey as well as too many water fights to count have raised enough money to pay for summer trips and swimming lessons, things that wouldn’t be possible without him.
Andover Young Carers could not have delivered everything it has without his support. He truly is one in a million.
Running brownie and girl guides, Kelly dedicates her personal time to help young girls experience new things and to help them through tough life situations.
Her many hours spent fundraising has meant herself and her fellow leaders have been able to organize days out, sleepovers, summer camps, weekend trips, pantomime visits and even a trip to 10 Downing Street.
Overall, many local girls have benefitted because of her - she has made the impossible possible.
Greys Wildlife Rescue has been set up to help sick and injured animals as well as offering advice and assistance to ensure wildlife is correctly cared for and released back into the wild.
Completely self-funded, Melissa pays for everything from bedding to rescue equipment from her own pocket. Dedicating her free time to train and volunteer isn’t all as this person has also raised thousands for other charities including MacMillan.
Dedicating her rescue group to her late grandparents, she is an amazing, selfless person always putting the animals before herself.
The Knowing Us group is a support group network run for mothers experiencing post-natal depression, anxiety or other emotional stress.
Non-funded, Nadine holds fundraisers to keep the group going, offering a safe place to talk, meet new people and get additional support from local speakers in a relaxed, friendly environment.
There is no right or wrong path to take with mental illness, but Nadine makes sure the group is available to help mothers in dark times.
At 10 years old Nuno spent 2 years growing his hair to raise money to make wigs for children with cancer.
At 8, a boy with long blonde hair meant he received cruel comments from people of all ages but it never once deterred him from his goal. On the 16th July this year, He donated 13 inch-es of hair and raised a total of £1075.
Nuno is already talking about his next fundraising project to help others - he really is a star!
Dedicating his personal life to sport in Andover, Graham has spent his free time making sure sport is given the recognition and prominence it deserves in the town.
He’s refereed weekend football matches for years and kept village cricket and pool leagues in opera-tion. He has also developed and run a darts league over 20 plus years with 45 teams, he organizes fixtures, competitions, tables and charity matches. He coaches and develops youth players to county competition level and has raised money via 8 24-hour darts competitions for local charities.
Graham also coaches the youth academy keeping darts alive for all. He is one of the most respected people in Andover sports.
An organizer, volunteer, trustee, campaigner, fundraiser, ad-vocate, friend, group leader...just a few of the roles Marian has undertaken for Andover and District Mencap for over 30 years.
Supporting and influencing the changes to the learning disabilities landscape, Marian has been and re-mains at the forefront. This ensures that people with a learning disability can access the service, support, and benefits that they are entitled to, so they can live as independently as possible.
An experienced jewellery maker, designer and teacher for over 40 years, Rheumatoid Arthritis has never stopped Ruth from continuing her passion.
As well as her jewellery making business, she has been an active member of the community including Artsparks and Gutterblaster Band whom supported community initiatives such as the carnival and village fetes. Her illness never holds her back and is an active member of Andover Women in Business and Andover Vision - improving the town for its residents.
Her most recent project ‘Going for a Walk’ encourages dementia patients to record early memories through speech and drawing - helping the patients and their families to keep memories alive.
Ruth is someone who has a passionate and enthusiastic approach to life despite her illness and her cheerful and positive attitude make her an inspiration to many.
Running since 2015 in Andover, The Befrienders are volunteers who give their free time to people who are suffering from chronic or life limited illnesses.
Currently caring for 18 local patients, each volunteer spends time with the person, going for coffee, a walk or just to talk. Often described as angels, the group are a massive support to the people of Andover who need a friend in their hour of need.
After the funding stopped for her position as lollipop lady, Natalie jumped into action.
After extensive fundraising and support from the local community, Natalie raised enough money to keep the much-loved service running for another year. Improving safety and calming traffic, the person has shown conviction and courage to keep school roads safe for all who use them.
Natalie also fundraises in her own right raising money for British Heart Foundation, MacMillan and Parkinson’s. Natalie is surely an inspirational young lady and without her continued efforts, Hatherden wouldn’t be the safe place it is today.
Following the birth of Abel, diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease, a charity was set up to raise awareness and help other parents and children in the same situation.
Whilst running their own business, Tony & Claire provide 24/7 care to Abel as well as offering financial and emotional support to others. They have helped poorly children go on holiday and have provided help and advice whenever possible.
Creating written information for health authorities, launching a helpline and website, running 2 businesses and caring for Abel, these two amazing people really are heroes.
Christmas can be a tough time for some, that’s why Lisa puts together Christmas boxes for disadvantaged children as well as cooking and delivering Meals on Christmas Day for those on their own or are less able.
Her carpet cleaning business also provides services to support teams offering deep cleans for those in need - always offering help where she can. Lisa also collects clothing, furniture, helps with form filling, transport to appointments, offers free cleans and even raised funds to replace a stolen pension.
Lisa goes the extra mile to help others - she is truly amazing.
Currently the Director or Employment Services at Enham Trust, Mark has dedicated 25 years to disability employment services in Andover.
With muscular dystrophy himself, his passion and determination to create the best opportunities for disabled far outreaches his own disability. After a severe health scare back in 2016, he used his experiences to influence the delivery and design of local services by becoming a non-exec director for diversity and inclusion of health watch Hampshire.
Today, Mark is still influential, providing feedback to government on issues that affect disabled people. His dedication has provided such positive change for local disabled people and will continue to do so in years to come.
Cllr Ian Carr: "Over the last year I have travelled all over the Borough and when there has been entertainment on the menu I have more often than not come across this winner, no matter whether it was weekday or weekend.
This to me is above and beyond what people normally expect and is a great credit to Andover. A worthy Winner."
After 71 years on the high street, Alec finally hung up his white coat and retired from his electrical store, P Squires, on Bridge Street.
A remarkable 96-year-old gentleman whom offered local, bespoke service to all his customers, his impact on the local community has been outstanding. This was evident by all the support and well wishes he received when he announced his retirement.
A pleasant and hard-working model of society, he is someone everyone should aspire to.
David & Christine Mellor: "Congratulations to this charity, helping to raise awareness and helping other parents and children in the same situation.
Whilst running their own business, they provide 24/7 care to Abel as well as offering financial and emotional support to others. They have helped poorly children go on holiday and have provided help and advice whenever possible.
Creating written information for health authorities, launching a helpline and website, running 2 businesses and caring for Abel, these two amazing people really are heroes."