Ely Hero Awards 2025 – An Enchanted Evening Where Heroes Bloom

Ely came alive on Friday 19^th September with an unforgettable celebration of kindness, strength, and community spirit at the Ely Hero Awards 2025. It was truly an enchanted evening where heroes bloom and change blossoms, as friends, families, and Sponsors gathered to honour extraordinary individuals who make a real difference in the lives of others. The “Heroes in Bloom” theme kept on blossoming right through the evening.

Now in its 8^th year, the Ely Hero Awards continue to shine a spotlight on those whose compassion, dedication, and courage enrich our community. Finalists were recognised across 11 categories, each highlighting acts of generosity, resilience, and inspiration that have touched countless lives.

Guests were welcomed to the sparkling evening by Host, David Learner, who paid heartfelt tribute to the local heroes being honoured. Among the distinguished attendees was His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mr Daniel Schumann MBE, who joined in celebrating the outstanding contributions of this year’s finalists and introduced the prestigious award for THE Ely Hero 2025.

Winner of THE Ely Hero Award was Robert Barnes who has dedicated the last 10 years of his life to raise money for charities following the death his beloved wife, Lisa. He raises money for local charities and in particular the Arthur Rank Hospice, a very special place that can touch anyone’s life at any moment.

The night was filled with warmth, gratitude, and joy. A delicious dinner was shared by all, followed by an electrifying performance from the talented 4D Dance School, whose high-energy routines brought the room to life and set the perfect tone for the celebrations.

Speaking about the evening, organiser, Luke Smith said:

“The Ely Hero Awards are about celebrating the very best of our community – people who quietly and selflessly make life better for others. Tonight, we have seen kindness and strength blossom, and we are proud to share in these moments of recognition.”

The Ely Hero Awards 2025 not only recognised the remarkable efforts of the finalists but also reminded everyone present of the power of community spirit, and the importance of celebrating those who go above and beyond to help others bloom.

This year’s chosen charity was CAMSAR – Lowland Rescue, an incredible volunteer team who search for missing and vulnerable people in our community. Thanks to a raffle and a fabulous charity auction, over £1,900 was raised to help support their life-saving work. An overwhelming supply of prizes were donated by incredible local shops and businesses.

The Janet Eisold Smiliest Server Award

Winner – Steven Mitchell – Vision Express, Ely

Finalists – Amin Haque (Le Spice) and Jo & Andy Chatwin (Postively Magicikal)

Steven Mitchell was nominated for his genuine passion to help his customers, serving generations of families with dedicated customer service and a shining smile

Colleague of the Year

Winner – Chantelle Lawrence – Life Fitness

Finalist – Kieron Connor

Chantelle was nominated for her ability to juggle 100 jobs at any one time, her endearing nature and enthusiasm all with her trade mark pink lipstick!

Caring Companion

Winner – Sue Greene

Finalists – Kirsty, Billy and Becca (Paradise Sports Centre) and Megan Watson

Sue was chosen due to her kind and caring nature and supporting those in need, going above and beyond, providing a haven for those she supports

Most Amazing Professional

Winner – Andy Austin – Larkfield Day Care Centre

Finalists – Angela Hancock (Fight Klub) and Sharon Heaps (Slimming World)

Andy’s love of gardening brings enrichment to the service users at Larkfield where he has created teaching opportunities and allotment spaces for others to work and enjoy. Andy has made Larkfield an even more special place

Neighbour of the Year

Winner – Graham James, Little Thetford

Finalists – The Clarke Family and Johanna Partridge

Graham has quietly made a huge difference to the village in which he lives securing funding for warm hubs and National Theatre shows

The Mike Rouse Community Champion

Winner – Lorraine Calvert

Finalists – Jenny Fletcher and Cliff Loveday

Lorraine has served the Scout movement in Ely for many years, what she does behind the scenes is quite remarkable – onboarding parents to become helpers, giving children confidence and providing a wealth of activities.

Environmental Champion

Winner – Silvana Marceca

Finalists – Cilla Palmer and Anita Nixon

Silvana is a dedicated environmental advocate and is known for her work in promoting soil re-generation, organic growing and biodiversity in the Ely community. Silvana inspires action and hope for a more sustainable future.

Best Teacher

Winner – Katie McDonald

Finalists – Laura Howard and Kate Arnold

Katie is Head of Maths at Soham VC and constantly encourages students to love maths as much as she does! She uses every opportunity to make maths exciting and trains and mentors others.

Child of Achievement

Winner – Jess Brand

Jay Davison Child of Achievement Award

Winner – Isla and Theo Roberts

Finalists – Ethan Harkin and Archie Linney

Jess is a modest young lady who plays football for Soham Town Rangers of which she is dedicated. She coaches and trains others and is funding raising for Cancer Research, a charity very close to her heart

Sporting Hero

Winner – Debbie Abraham

Finalists – The Soham Fitness Centre and Craig Finbow

Debbie is a volunteer at Ely Runners and coaches younger children promoting a sense of teamwork. For Debbie, running should be non-elitist and a place where all children are included no matter their ability

THE Ely Hero 2025

Winner – Robert Barnes

Finalists – Sara Ford and Hayley James

Robert has dedicated the last 10 years of his life to fundraising for local charities including Arthur Rank Hospice. His goal of raising £100K has doubled within this time and has raised countless thousands of pounds for other local charities. His altruistic approach, his humility and smile has crowned Robert THE Ely Hero of 2025