CELEBRATIONS were in order as the first-ever Churchill Living first-ever Local Hero Awards winners were announced.
The inaugural award – proudly supported by The Solihull Observer – shone a light on the inspirational over 60s who make a difference across the West Midlands.
The winners, their supporters, and residents from Bower Lodge in Shirley, were joined by associates and partners of the awards for coffee and cake and the fabulous ceremony itself.
Terry Flower, was handed a Highly Commended award.
The 77-year-old from Solihull has dedicated the past 15 years to saving lives as a volunteer Community First Responder with FastAid.
Since joining in 2009, he has attended over 4,500 emergency calls, providing lifesaving care before ambulances arrive. He also fundraises, mentors new volunteers, maintains local defibrillators and supports first aid at community events.
Terry has received multiple commendations, carried the baton at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and been honoured with the Queen’s Jubilee and King’s Coronation medals.
Verena Swinnerton, from Bridgnorth was also Highly Commended.
The 73-year-old has devoted more than a decade to volunteering with the Bridgnorth Hospital League of Friends.
As manager of its coffee shop, she has helped raise funds for vital hospital equipment, including an x-ray machine and a birthing pool.
She also supports local groups such as Knit and Natter and the Butterfly Café for people living with Alzheimer’s, as well as volunteering with the Girl Guides and Air Training Corps.
Sylvia Enefer from Wolverhampton was crowned winner in the West Midlands Local Hero Awards.
The 83-year-old has made an extraordinary contribution to her community through her dedication to the JW Hunt Cup, one of the last surviving amateur charity football tournaments in the UK.
Having suffered a stroke in 2018 and struggling to stay positive at the start of the pandemic, Sylvia was inspired by a newspaper article to get involved in the charity, which raises funds for the Beacon Centre for the Blind.
With matches cancelled in 2020 and the tournament at risk of folding, Sylvia stepped in to keep it alive, hand-writing 60 letters to former players and referees to raise £4,000.
The JW Hunt Cup has now raised more than £450,000 since its founding in 1926, and Sylvia is determined to reach the £500,000 milestone by its centenary in 2026.
Her tireless efforts are motivated by the memory of her late brother Derek, a respected FIFA referee, and her close friend Alex Hamil, who encouraged her to take on the role.
Sylvia said: “The JW Hunt Cup charity is a small band of people who give so much.
“We aim to raise a total of £500,000 by September 2026, to mark our 100 years.
“To do this, we need to raise a further £50,000 and support from Churchill Living takes us one step closer to us achieving that goal. I’m so grateful for the recognition and the donation.”
The trio were handed a plaque and a cheque to give to a charity of their choice.
Spencer J McCarthy, chairman and chief executive of Churchill Living, said: “The Local Hero Awards have highlighted the incredible contributions older people are making in communities across the country. Sylvia, Terry and Verena exemplify how dedication, compassion, and energy can transform lives and places.
“We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and thank them for everything they do.”
Churchill Living plans to make the Local Hero Awards an annual celebration of the UK’s over 60s who go above and beyond in their communities.
