Help celebrate Swale's heroes
Published
Friday 7 February, 2025
Updated
Monday 17 February, 2025
Nominations are now open to recognise the contributions of community heroes in Swale.
The Mayor’s Civic Award is asking for people to nominate hidden heroes who work to help others.
Nominees can come from all ages and backgrounds; they just need to have made a difference to their local community and live in Swale.
The nominations are open until Monday 31 March and the winners will be selected by the Mayor of Swale, Cllr Ben Martin, and a panel of councillors.
Winners will be invited to an award ceremony at Swale House, in May, followed by an afternoon tea with the Mayor.
Last year’s awards saw seven local heroes recognised for their hard work and dedication to helping their communities.
The Mayor and other members of the judges panel are looking forward to seeing all of the nominations and rewarding the unsung heroes of Swale.
The Mayor of Swale, Cllr Ben Martin, said:
“Every year the mayor of Swale has the opportunity and honour to recognise and celebrate the everyday heroes who work tirelessly to make Swale a better place with these civic awards.
“I can’t wait to see all the nominations and have the chance to meet the people in our communities who are touching the lives of others with their acts of kindness and charity.
“It will be an almost impossible challenge to pick just a few winners, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our borough who takes the time out of their day to volunteer and help those around them, be that through individual acts of heroism, weekly organised volunteering or any other way.
“I know Swale has an abundance of community volunteers in all sectors, and everyone should be proud of the part they play.”
For more information, including how to make a nomination visit Swale's nominations page and for any queries contact mayor@swale.gov.uk.
Last year’s winners were:
Highly Commended Award:
Jason Firmager, a hypnotherapist and counsellor, founded the Mentalk-health group to help men with mental health issues speak freely and without judgement and has saved numerous men’s lives through the prevention of suicide.
His nominator said “He has the ability to help restore confidence and save the lives of men with mental health problems. He is a visionary whose passion and tenacity is the driving force which inspires not only the men he helps, but the team behind him. He has always gone above the call of duty and is fiercely committed to the men he helps.”
Rev Dan Corcoran has created two mobile youth centres which set up in parks and community spaces and give young people a safe, welcoming place to meet, eat and play sports and games. He also organises the Faversham Gem awards where, often overlooked, young people are celebrated for going that extra mile to make life ‘sparkle’.
His nominator said “He gives up so much of his own time and money to make the lives of others better. He is such a personable man and the young people know he will not judge them. I Highly recommended him as a pillar of our community.”
Civic Award
Husband and wife Brenda and Peter Fathers work have worked tirelessly their entire lives to help others. Brenda helped form Multiple sclerosis (MS) Swale whilst Peter works as the fund-raising officer. Peter also setup the Bowls Club to help members stay fit and socialise, having fundraised for and purchased speciality wheelchairs.
Their nominator said: “From small beginnings, MS Swale is now a thriving, local based, registered charity supporting its members. Brenda is MS Swale, without her at the helm, the group would not be so successful. Without Peter there would be no Para-bowls club or South East Bowls Tournament. None of the amazing achievements would be possible without husband and wife team Brenda and Peter Fathers.”
Gary Axford, founder of Faversham Strike Force FC, has dedicated over 25 years of his life to the club's development and community enhancement. The club, with over 690 playing members across 42 teams, is a registered charity that provides football opportunities for all ages and abilities including Walking Football, youth sessions, and social inclusion projects. As the Club Manager and treasurer, Gary oversees a turnover of £144,000 all of which is reinvested into the club and community facilities.
His nominator said: “To commit over 25 years of one's life to an organisation without any financial gain, sacrificing over 5000 hours, is truly admirable. Gary's selflessness and drive have undoubtedly made Faversham a better place. Gary's impact on the community is truly remarkable.”
Stewart Kitching, Chairman of the Swale Stroke Group, helps provide local support for stroke survivors and their families. Stewart suffered a stroke and had to re-learn how to speak, read and write but was determined to succeed and help and support others through the same journey. His selfless work earned him the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Champion Award. He also helped set up and runs the Sittingbourne Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club with Richard Emmett.
His nominator said: “He spends a great deal of his personal time ensuring that the Group is well run and supported This is the only group in the area which is supporting local people who have suffered a stroke.”
Lifetime Achievement Award
Paul Murray MBE is a board member for Sheppey Matters, Swale CVS, and Swale Community Leisure and has dedicated much of his life to supporting and helping the residents of Sheppey and the whole of Swale. He founded the Dementia Café at the Oasis Academy which works with students and local organisations to raise funds for, and help, people with dementia. He is also the Branch President of The Royal British Legion on the Isle of Sheppey and volunteers most Saturdays at The Lees Park run as a Marshall.
His nominator said: “There are very few who can match his dedication, commitment, and passion to help the people on The Isle of Sheppey over the last four decades.”
