Heroes praised & money raised at Chair's charity event

Five outstanding individuals were honoured for their remarkable volunteering contributions and named North Herts Heroes at our annual Civic Event hosted by Chair Cllr Clare Billing.

The event, held at Hitchin Town Hall on Friday, 28 February, celebrated the selfless efforts of local volunteers who have made a significant impact in their communities. Attendees also included The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and the Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Each of the North Herts Heroes 2025 award recipients were nominated for their exceptional dedication to local causes. Each winner received an engraved glass trophy and a gift voucher to recognise their outstanding achievements.

The deserving recipients were:

David Whitiker

Caring Award, sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral Services

A generous volunteer at Hitchin Pantry, David has spent the past three years offering support to socially isolated individuals. He also provides essential transport and moving services for those in need, going above and beyond to help others.

Harmesh Bhandal

Dedication Award, sponsored by Rewind Media Ltd

Harmesh has devoted more than 40 years to supporting the South Asian community. From helping individuals with language barriers to running social support groups, her lasting impact has been invaluable.

Ray Wilson

Green Award, sponsored by John O’Conner

As the founder of Green Care at Norton, Ray has created a community-driven project that brings people together to grow their own produce. His focus on sustainability, recycling, and inclusivity has fostered a strong sense of community.

Maggie Hackney

Health Award, sponsored by Altro

Maggie’s lifelong commitment to helping others includes founding Hitchin AED, a project that has provided vital public access defibrillators throughout the town. Her work supporting blood donation and other community services has made her a beloved local figure.

Hugo Hughes-Slattery

Young Star Award, sponsored by Lovell

Following the death of his father, Hugo has courageously used his personal experience of grief to support other bereaved children with the help of charity Stand By Me. He has shared his story, helped with fundraising, and supported fellow students facing similar challenges.

North Herts Council's Chair, Cllr Clare Billing, said: "It's an absolute privilege to celebrate these extraordinary individuals. Their unwavering commitment and tireless work make North Herts a better place for everyone. These awards are just a small token of our appreciation for all they do.”

Approximately £900 was raised for the Chair’s chosen charity, Sands, which works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby. This was raised from the raffle with prizes contributed from local businesses and individuals, which will be added to the ticket sales and other funds raised previously and presented to the charity in May.

This year’s North Herts Heroes event highlighted the importance of community spirit and the profound impact volunteers have in improving lives across the district. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to all that have contributed!

Watch moving videos of our heroes on our YouTube channel