The Mayor's Community Awards ceremony was held on Monday, 17 March, honouring individuals who devote their time to supporting communities across the borough.

Outstanding individuals were honoured at the annual awards, celebrating those who have made a real difference in Kingston.

The winners of the Mayor's Community Awards 2025 are:

Daniel and Ruth Sinclair

For 14 years, Daniel and Ruth have been dedicated Foster Carers, opening their hearts and home to vulnerable children facing trauma, neglect, and abuse. 

Despite the challenges - sleepless nights, endless appointments, and complex paperwork - they provide unwavering love, stability, and advocacy. 

Their home is a place of healing, where children receive the emotional support they need to thrive. They go the extra mile, welcoming sibling groups and older children when foster placements are scarce. 

The pair's unwavering dedication has made a profound impact, making them true pillars of the local community.

Ann Hutchinson

Ann is a champion for young people and co-founded FUSE International, expanding arts opportunities for children. 

As well as volunteering as Head of Safeguarding for the charity, she has been a key contributor to the charity's annual fundraising Gala Dinner. 

Ann also plays a key role in The Community Brain, ensuring events are safe and engaging, and has helped grow girls' football as Chair of the Corinthian-Casuals Women's Team. 

As SENCO at St John's School, she introduced Forest Schools which has now expanded to be Forest Schools UK, supporting children who struggle in traditional classrooms. Her dedication has transformed countless lives.

Nicola Spratt

As a dedicated Home-Start volunteer for seven years, Nicola has provided invaluable support to families with young children, offering warmth, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach. 

With experience as a nursery manager and a parent of a child with additional needs, she brings deep understanding and empathy to her work, and now gives back wholeheartedly, creating a welcoming space for families. 

Her kindness and dedication truly embody the spirit of Home-Start. Whether playing with children, listening to parents, or offering practical help, her commitment shines through.

John Routledge

For seven years, John has volunteered with Momentum Children's Charity, using his artistic talents to paint over 600 unique pebbles for children with cancer and life-challenging conditions. 

He also creates 'in memory' pebbles for bereaved families, offering them a lasting tribute. 

Each pebble, taking up to a day to paint, provides comfort to children and families wherever they go. 

Beyond pebble painting, John volunteers at events and spreads festive joy as part of the Doorstep Santa initiative. 

Having dedicated over 2,500 hours, his kindness and creativity have touched countless lives.

Liz Meerabeau 

As a retired nurse and health visitor, Liz has dedicated her career to health and social care, serving as a board member of Healthwatch Kingston and an elected governor of Kingston and Richmond Foundation Trust. 

She is also an Older People's Champion for Kingston. 

Liz plays a key role in the New Malden Residents Association and the New Malden Town Centre Partnership, where she led efforts with South Western Railway to create the well-loved mural at the station. 

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and political acumen, Liz tirelessly advocates for the community she lives in.

David Fox

As the founder of Richmond Park FC, David has grown the club from one team to 16, with over 400 players. 

David has done this all as a volunteer, something many people are unaware of due to his unfaltering commitment. 

His dedication has created a thriving space for girls and women to play football, make friends, and build careers. 

David coordinates sessions, coaches teams, supervises competitions, and organizes events - all while innovating with new ideas like trips abroad, recycling schemes, and holiday clubs. 

His quiet commitment and ability to bring people together make him the backbone of the club.

Shraddha Ballal

As Director of Namaste Kingston CIC and leader of the local Indian women's group, Shraddha has shown exceptional dedication to fostering inclusivity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. 

Shraddha has organized cultural celebrations, championed mental health and financial well-being, and encouraged female entrepreneurs. 

She is also a Zero Waste Champion, working with The Save the World Club to promote sustainability. 

Her leadership, resilience, and solution-driven mindset have positively impacted the local community, creating lasting change and a more connected future. 

Emily Alder

For the past five years, Emily has been an exceptional volunteer with GoodGym Kingston, completing 300 good deeds and consistently going above and beyond. 

She's taken on additional responsibilities, such as joining the GoodGym Taskforce, welcoming new volunteers, and organizing community tasks. 

In January, Emily completed 53 good deeds, earning third place on GoodGym's national leaderboard. 

Her contributions range from supporting local food banks to cleaning bikes and helping with various charities. 

Beyond her tireless volunteering, Emily is always inspiring others with her humor and positivity.

Nicky Newberry

For twelve years, Nicky has been an invaluable volunteer at the CornerHOUSE Community Arts Centre, where she brings energy, creativity, and commitment to a wide range of activities. 

She has also played a key role in developing the CornerHOUSE pantos and supporting playwright workshops. 

Additionally, Nicky has helped set up new community groups, supported volunteers, and contributed to the Centre's Trust, offering innovative ideas for its operation. 

Her dedication to enhancing the arts and fostering community engagement makes her an exceptional volunteer, consistently going above and beyond expectations.

Colleen Moore

For the past seven years, Colleen has been an invaluable member of the Vine Close community, supporting her vulnerable neighbors and tackling loneliness and social isolation. 

She actively participates in local initiatives, including relaxation sessions and improvements to neglected areas, all driven by her genuine care for others. 

Colleen's skills and dedication make her a trusted friend and confidant to many, especially those with mobility issues. 

She goes above and beyond, organizing social events, street parties, and outings, making a real difference to those around her.

Francis and Dianne Brannan

Celebrating 50 years of the Chessington & District Residents Association, Francis and Diane have been key members for over 30 years, with Francis serving on the Executive Committee and Diane as Secretary. 

The pair have played crucial roles in developing the association, connecting with residents, and representing the community on issues such as planning, air quality, and local services. 

Their dedication extends beyond these roles, as they've also supported their neighbours' health and well-being, and their hard work and commitment are a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Hazel Shirley

Hazel has been a dedicated member of St John Ambulance for over 40 years, deeply committed to the safety and well-being of Kingston residents. 

She has trained over 200 people in life-saving skills like CPR and AED use and is a constant presence at local events, providing first-aid support. 

Hazel also mentors young volunteers through St John Ambulance Cadets and local Scout groups, fostering a culture of service and responsibility. 

Her work in public health and safety initiatives has made Kingston a safer, more prepared community. Her selfless contributions are truly invaluable.

Ema Puodziukaityte  was one of two winners of the Mayor's Young Person's Community Award

Ema has been dedicated to Guiding since the age of 11, now serving as a young leader for Brownies, mentoring others and ensuring young girls have fun while building confidence. Her enthusiasm and commitment have strengthened their unit, allowing them to offer more opportunities to all. 

Beyond Guiding, Ema is a Fire Cadet and helps teach karate at a local primary school - all while balancing college and a part-time job. 

Her dedication to the community and exceptional leadership at such a young age make her truly deserving of this recognition.

The second winner was Georgia Devane

Since joining RBKares in late 2020, Georgia has consistently volunteered her time and energy, contributing to various initiatives like baking, delivering "Kindness Kits" to Kingston Hospital, and packing "Mindful Bags" for young carers. 

Whether helping set up wellbeing days, sorting donations, or spreading Christmas cheer at events, Georgia approaches every task with positivity and a friendly attitude, creating a welcoming environment for all. 

She also encourages others to get involved, inspiring her peers to volunteer and fundraise. 

Georgia's dedication and kindness have made her a true community champion, which is all the more remarkable when you take into account she is just 12 years of age.

The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Liz Green, praised the winners, saying: "These awards highlight the kindness, dedication, and resilience of our community. It is a privilege to recognise those who give their time and energy to support others."