British Airways honoured 38 Community Champions for their outstanding contributions to local community life at a special event at the House of Commons on the 6th July.
Nominated by their local MPs, the winners were each awarded a pair of tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games by British Airways Chief Executive, Keith Williams and Olympic Gold medallist, Denise Lewis.
Mid Sussex MP, Nicholas Soames nominated Donna Parker who runs Age UK West Sussex in Haywards Heath and Valerie Maynard from East Grinstead for her work as a voluntary prison visitor.
Nicholas Soames said; “It is important to recognise the very important work carried out in our community and the British Airways' Community Champion Awards allow us to do just that.
“On behalf of the whole community, I'd like to thank our Champions for their commitment, hard work and dedication and their contribution to Mid Sussex.”
British Airways Chief Executive, Keith Williams said; “2012 is set to be a great year for the South East and we are proud to honour the men and women who work tirelessly for their communities.
“These awards recognise the remarkable people who make a huge difference to other people’s lives locally, often without recognition, but who deserve to be praised.
I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of the Community Champions.”
Olympic Gold Medallist, Denise Lewis said; “Our sense of community is one of the many things that makes Britain great.
“In a fantastic year for the South East and for the UK as a whole, I'm delighted to be able to help recognise the contribution that the Community Champions have made through the British Airways Community Champion Awards.”
Each of the 38 Community Champions has been honoured in a special commemorative booklet, produced by British Airways.
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Photo – Denise Lewis, Keith Williams, Valerie Maynard, Donna Parker and Nicholas Soames