All the winners of Worthing Community Awards 2026 – and why the town owes them a huge debt of gratitude

Organiser Melanie Peters was described as 'a tireless and powerful advocate', having launched the awards in 2024 in memory of 18-year-old Millie Stoner.

The awards ceremony was held at Rooms in the Guildbourne Centre on Thursday, May 28. A total of £3,618 was raised for Worthing Mencap and Buddys, last year's Charity of the Year winner, and an additional £978 will got to Chestnut Tree House children's hospice, which cared for Millie after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Host Simon Osborne announced the winners in front of a packed house of finalists and sponsors.

Young Achiever of the Year went to eight-year-old Harley Fillery.

Simons aid: “Having faced health challenges and time in hospital, he has shown incredible determination and passion for sport. At just years old, he has already achieved amazing success in cross country, in swimming and in rugby. This is amazing.”

Millie Stoner Young Champion was Karma Terrell.

Simon said: “This remarkable young person has shown compassion and maturity beyond their years, helping care for her younger siblings while also giving back to the community. She continues to inspire others throughout her kindness and resilience.”

Volunteer of the Year went to Sid Hunt from Worthing Veterans Association.

Simon said: “For many years, this individual has dedicated his time to supporting veterans across Worthing, helping people access advice, support and friendship. Through community events and local groups, he really has made a difference to so many people.”

Mark Carlisle, chairman of Worthing Veterans Association, collected the award on behalf of Sid. He said: “He sends his best wishes and thanks to everyone for volunteering and voting for him.”

Community Hero Award went to Shaun Howard, founder of Worthing HELP Group.

Simon said: “This individual has made a huge difference to many people across Worthing through his kindness, his generosity and dedication to helping others. From supporting families in need to organising donations and volunteers, his work continues to bring the community together.

The Mental Health Award went to Neil Maguinness, founder of Minds Matter.

Simon said: “Outside of his day job, this individual gives up his own time to support mental health, raising awareness and community wellbeing across Worthing and Sussex. Through local initiatives and events, he has helped many people feel supported and less alone.”

The Sports Award went to Chris Cooper from Worthing Judo Club.

Simon said: “This award received so many nominations from students and parents, all praising one person for his dedication, kindness and years of supporting young people through sport. At Worthing Judo Club, he has inspired generations and made a huge difference to many lives.”

Teacher of the Year was Catherine Burgess from Davison High School.

Simon said: “This teacher has made a huge difference to so many young people through her support, her encouragement and dedication, both inside and outside the classroom. Even while facing personal challenges herself, she has continued to support students and the wider school community.”

Carer of the Year went to Elise Vaughan.

Simon said: “This individual goes above and beyond every single day, supporting residents and families with compassion, with dignity and care during some of life's most difficult moments. From dementia and residential care to end-of-life support, she has been described by those around her as someone who treats every resident like family.”

Elise said: “I left my career to go into care after I had my twins and I just, I feel very lucky, to love your families at the end of their life. I feel very touched, very privileged to have the job that I have. I just wish I'd have done it sooner. I'm very touched by anyone who voted, it means a lot.

The Disability Awareness Award went to Charlotte Short, founder of Deaf Kids Connect.

Simon said: “This individual has created a welcoming and supportive space for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families right here across Worthing. Through Deaf Kids Connect, she has helped children build confidence, friendships and a sense of wellbeing.”

Mum of the Year was Ann-Marie Lovejoy Bruce-Kerr.

Simon said: “This mum has shown incredible love, strength and selflessness, always putting her family and others before herself during some very difficult times. Alongside being a fantastic mum, she has dedicated so much time to supporting people in the local community.”

Asked her advice for other mums, Ann-Marie said: “Just always being there through thick and through thin, I think, for your children and for those around you, and being a mother to those who need mothering.

Dad of the Year was Patrick Lewsey.

Simon said: “This dad has shown incredible strength and support for his family after the heartbreaking loss of his young son. He's now taken on a 100k Ultra Challenge to raise money for Chestnut Tree House.”

Patrick ran with four friends, while his wife Lynsey walked the route with her dad. Together, they have raised more then £38,000 in memory of their son, Raif.

Fundraiser of the Year was Phil Heckels aka Hercule Van Wolfwinkle.

Simon said: “This individual has raised an incredible half-a-million pounds for charity. His pet portraits help and support organisations, including Turning Tides and StreetVet. His creativity, generosity and humour has made a huge difference to so many people.”

Phil said: “Anyone who has seen them, I'm sorry. They're rubbish. My portraits themselves don't raise anything, it's the people that donate. So, this is for everyone who donates, because my portraits are rubbish, they're nothing on their own.”

The Green Award went to Worthing Boys Club for its TerraCycle recycling scheme.

Simon said: “This organisation has spent many years helping reduce waste across the local community by collecting and recycling items that would otherwise end up in landfill. Through their ongoing efforts and community support, they continue to encourage local people to recycle more and waste less.”

The Arts & Culture Award went to Worthing Musical Comedy Society.

Simon said: “For 90 years, this organisation has brought creativity, entertainment and community spirit to the whole of Worthing through outstanding productions. Entirely voluntary-led, they continue to inspire audiences and performers of all ages.”

Community Event of the Year was Worthing Rotary Carnival.

Simon said: “This is a much-loved event that brings the Worthing community together every year, raising money for good causes while giving thousands of us a fantastic free day. It's organised by dedicated volunteers and has remained a huge part of Worthing life for more than 100 years.”

Simon Wells, founder of Cosplay Allstars, said: “I've grown up with the parade for the carnival since I was a kid. We joined in about eight years ago with characters for the parade. Over the years, that's increased. Last year we had 120. We're just all coming together to try to put on the best event we can do for the community. Seeing the crowds last year, it was fantastic.

Charity or CIC of the Year was Ferring Country Centre.

Simon said: “For more than 40 years, this charity has provided support, opportunities and a real sense of community for adults with learning disabilities. Through activities, education and care, they continue to make a huge difference every single day.”

Business in the Community was won by Chris Hodge from The Rose & Crown.

Simon said: “Through his support for veterans, local charities and families in need, this individual and his pub have helped provide Easter eggs, Christmas presents and fundraising support for so many people right across Worthing. He continues to bring people together through community spirit and generosity.”

The Make a Difference Award went to Diane Guest.

Simon said: “From supporting vulnerable people and running volunteer groups to organising events and supporting her staff, she gives so much time to others.

Diane said: “It's an accolade. It's a thank you. I love doing Street Buddies, I love doing with Meet Up Monday, I love Broadfest, I love Kids on the Geen. I like being part of the community. Broadwater is a very lovely community, a lovely place to live in Worthing.”

The Judges' Choice Award went to Heidi Tilney and her dog Milo.

Simon said: “Alongside her therapy dog, she has supported people facing mental health challenges, both in hospital and across the wider community, bringing comfort, companionship and hope to so many people.”

The Outstanding Contribution to Worthing Award went to Ginny Cassell, head of Worthing charity Storm.

Simon said: “This individual has had a huge impact on the look and feel of the Worthing community through the projects, the groups and activities she has created over the years. Now, she is most famously known for the stunning remembrance poppy displays at Worthing Town Hall.”

Ginny said: “I represent a whole charity and community group, there's lots of people behind me who do all the stuff that we do. Basically, it's a love for our town. We want to give to it and we want everyone to love it and appreciate it and think it's beautiful.

“That's kind of our mission and, then, just encouraging people to use what gifts they have in order to do that. We have a little base in Rowlands Road and from there, we run various community groups. We give food away three times a week from there and we do other activities at the Sidney Water Centre. It's all run by volunteers.”