As well as winning two awards Courtney was runner-up in the Unsung Hero category. She said it had been an incredibly challenging year. “We were contacted by more and more families who were struggling with food, laptops, plus a big increase in people who were shielding and isolated. Not only was the immediate issue physical items, but an increase in the decline on mental health - particularly in the older age group. Part of giving the weekly food boxes was an opportunity to check in on those people. Even a five-minute chat made such a difference.” Courtney, who lives in Didcot with partner Pedro, a neo-natal intensive care nurse, said: “I won’t lie, the past 12 months have been busy and very emotional at times. I am driven always by the spirit of my great-grandmother Elsie who the charity was founded in memory of, and her motto of ‘the gift of giving’.”
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Carer at Glebefields Care Home in Banbury He said: “Thank you God for considering me in this award. My sincere thanks to the people of Banbury, my wife and my son. This would have never happened without their immense motivation and unbelievable support.” He was nominated by Georgina Button, who said: “Throughout the pandemic he has collected and delivered food parcels to people who have struggled, raised money for families in need, set up his own food bank. He dressed as Santa and the Easter bunny giving gifts and eggs. He even gave away his own belongings to those who needed them. He selflessly helps feed families and spreads joy wherever he can.”
THE moment we ve all been waiting for is almost here: next week, we will be able to reveal the finalists of the Oxfordshire Health & Social Care Awards. In a special supplement, free with the Oxford Mail and Oxford Times on Thursday, April 29, we will introduce you to the top three nominees in each categories, as chosen by our panel of judges. The winners will then be named at a virtual awards ceremony hosted by GP and TV personality Dr Hilary Jones and streamed live on our Facebook page on May 21 from 7pm. “I’m absolutely delighted to finally be able to reveal that Dr Hilary Jones will be hosting our awards ceremony,” said editor Pete Gavan. “Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, the ceremony will be held virtually. While we are disappointed not to be able to meet our finalists in person, this will give us the opportunity to open the event to all our readers, wherever they may be. There will be no limit on how many people can attend, so do join us on the night
A Banbury man and his son plan to dress as super heroes as they give away food packs to the community to celebrate his son s sixth birthday on Monday January 18.