The volunteers of Andover Repair Café give up their Saturdays to fix broken household items — from lamps to clothing — saving families money while reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Their kindness, skill, and community spirit make each session more than just repairs; it’s about connection, reassurance, and care. Entirely selfless, their work fosters resilience and sustainability across Andover, showing the power of community working together.
Through his food review platform Burgers He Wrote, Gary Osborne has become a true community champion. What began as a passion project now provides a lifeline for local businesses, boosting independent shops and restaurants with thoughtful, engaging reviews. Gary’s work has given exposure and confidence to small businesses, especially during the challenges of COVID. Humble and dedicated, Gary has become a vital connector, celebrating people, food, and community spirit in Andover.
Anna White has dedicated many years to organising an annual horse fun ride in support of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Her efforts have raised nearly £30,000 to keep vital helicopters flying and saving lives. From planning routes and organising volunteers to baking cakes and welcoming riders from across the South, Anna selflessly gives her time to ensure the event runs seamlessly. Her dedication and compassion make her an inspiring fundraiser whose efforts are felt across the region.
Kelly has shown extraordinary dedication to Girlguiding, making a lasting impact on Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides in our community. With passion and enthusiasm, she has created an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. From organising camps and community projects to tireless fundraising through coffee mornings and quiz nights, Kelly ensures that young people gain confidence, friendships, and essential life skills. Her commitment and kindness embody the true spirit of the Pride of Andover Awards.
Michael Cunningham founded Kick Start FC in 2020, using football as therapy to improve mental health. Offering free weekly sessions for men, women, and walking groups, Michael creates a safe and welcoming space for all abilities. From leading a 71-mile fundraising walk to Wembley to running local projects that support families in need, Michael balances charity, career, and family life with tireless commitment. His work has changed lives and inspired hope through sport.
In 2017, Fon Ferdinand founded FC Baltic with just a handful of players. Today, the club supports around 70 young people, teaching not only football but teamwork, discipline, and inclusion. Despite working full-time as a lorry driver, Fon dedicates countless hours to coaching and mentoring children, creating a safe and supportive community where every child is valued. His passion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on families across Andover.
Chloe Howard’s journey from community programme participant to volunteer, peer mentor, and now Learning Support Assistant and Coach is inspiring. Despite personal challenges — including raising two children and losing her home in a fire — Chloe has remained resilient, compassionate, and committed to helping others. Known for her warmth and leadership, she is a role model who embodies perseverance, empathy, and inspiration in every aspect of her life.
Michael Ford founded KOS Football — Kick Out the Stigma — to support people struggling with mental health. The club now has over 300 members, bringing connection, confidence, and joy through football. From charity events to supporting Andover Mind and victims of the Dairy Court fire, Michael’s work shows the power of community spirit. His leadership has transformed lives, inspiring others both on and off the pitch.
Barbara Stewart has dedicated many years to running the Mencap Duke of Edinburgh Group in Andover, supporting young people with learning disabilities to achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Her patience, skill, and high expectations ensure every participant is able to succeed. From expeditions in the New Forest and Peak District to residentials at Dartmoor Zoo, Barbara has changed lives — helping young people build skills, confidence, and independence.
Known in Girlguiding as “Starfish,” Jasmin Jolliffe is a remarkable young leader supporting Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides each week. With kindness, patience, and enthusiasm, she has become a role model for younger members, inspiring confidence and creativity. From campaigning for World Thinking Day at her school to mentoring peers at camp, Jasmin embodies the very best of Guiding and is an inspiration to all she leads.
At Clatford School, receptionist Sarah Walkom is far more than a welcoming face — she is its heart. Always ready with kindness, empathy, and support, she has gone above and beyond for children, families, and staff, especially those with complex needs. Sarah never seeks recognition, yet her compassion, loyalty, and dedication have made her the Pride of Clatford and now, rightly, the Pride of Andover.
Founder of the Natural Business Network, Susan Risdale has created a space where businesses and charities thrive together. A trustee of Andover Trees United and tireless community volunteer, she has supported countless causes including The Abel Foundation and Andover Carnival. Generous with her time, energy, and kindness, Susan is a true connector, strengthening Andover with her compassion and commitment.
Since 2017, Clare Oliver and Andover Community Choir have raised thousands for local charities through joyful, inclusive performances. From concerts supporting Parkinson’s UK to singing at festivals, their music has brought smiles, connection, and community pride. Even during lockdown, they kept members connected through online rehearsals. With a reputation for fun, inclusivity, and high-quality performance, the choir embodies the spirit of music as a force for good.
Actor, singer, playwright, and lecturer Sophie Ross has inspired her community through creativity. From her original comedy musical Swings & Roundabouts to her innovative Baby Wonder Gigs, Sophie brings joy, inclusivity, and energy to everything she does. Her workshops, performances, and lockdown music videos have uplifted countless people, proving the power of creativity to connect and heal.
Despite living with Chiari malformation, Emily Marsh has built a career as an inspiring artist. Her intricate mandala designs have been celebrated widely, and through Unity Art Studio she nurtures others in discovering creativity. Emily’s workshops provide opportunities for children and adults alike, and her role in Andover’s creative community is invaluable. Her resilience, passion, and generosity make her a role model who embodies the spirit of this award.
Despite her own challenges as a young person with autism, Riley Jackson consistently puts others first. From supporting peers at Brownies and Guides to leading a Christmas Shoebox Appeal for Andover Foodbank, Riley shows maturity, kindness, and creativity beyond her years. She also designs and sells cards to raise funds and advocates passionately for people with Down Syndrome. Riley is a shining example of compassion in action.
Nine-year-old Archie Pearce turned his diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes into a mission to help others. On the anniversary of his diagnosis, he completed “50 miles, 50 countries, 1 Big Mission,” virtually visiting 50 countries while walking over 80 miles and raising more than £4,000 for Breakthrough T1D. Archie’s determination, positivity, and honesty have inspired people nationwide, raising awareness and hope for others living with the condition.
At just 10 years old, Mariah Cuvuoto has become an inspiring young entrepreneur through her juice business, Sunshine Sips. Creating healthy, handmade juices, she has partnered with local gyms and showcased her work at community events. Mariah’s creativity, professionalism, and her “Five Seed Plan” of daily actions show a maturity far beyond her years. She is a role model of courage and consistency, proving no one is too young to make a difference.
Once told at school that he wasn’t “any good” at art, Badger Marsh rediscovered his creativity later in life and has since become a vital part of Andover’s cultural community. At Unity Arts Studios, he is both artist and ambassador, welcoming visitors with encouragement and warmth while supporting fellow artists to shine. His resilience, generosity, and dedication to creativity have made him a true inspiration.
The volunteers of Andover Repair Café not only save items from landfill but also bring people together with kindness and care. By giving up their Saturdays to mend everything from toasters to clothing, they reduce waste, save families money, and promote sustainability. More than repairs, they create connection and compassion in the community, showing that even small acts can make a big difference.