Mayor presents awards to deserving residents

An 11-year-old who spends her free time fundraising for charity and a resident who is always looking out for others have been recognised with awards from Cllr James Bacon, Mayor of Hastings.

Cllr Bacon made the awards at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 15 December.

Lilly-Isabella has been fundraising for local and national good causes since 2020, including the Conquest Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. She has also supported local foodbanks and made care packages during the COVID pandemic. Her recent fundraising has included cycling, riding from Asda in St Leonards to Dymchurch and back. Since March 2021 she has cycled 347 and since August 2021 she has swum 75. This has included taking part in her first triathlon. Her next challenge is hopefully climbing Ben Nevis on 31 December.

Lilly said: "I like to fundraise for people in need because I really hate the fact some children are poorly. It makes me happy, knowing that I have done all I can to help.

"I want to help make a difference in these children's lives and to their families no matter how small of a difference that is. Fundraising is very important to me and I definitely believe it's cool to be kind. Helping my local community is something close to my heart, that I will try my best to do every year. Thank you so much to the mayor for presenting me with a certificate, this is something that I will remember forever."

Peter Robson was nominated for the award by Cllr Andy Batsford, who is ward councillor for St Helen's where Mr Robson lives. Cllr Batsford's nomination focused on how Mr Robson always thinks of and looks out for others.

Cllr James Bacon said: "I was delighted to present these awards to two such deserving residents for their dedication to their communities. Lilly-Isabella is the first young person to receive a Mayor's Award from me. Her efforts to raise money for so many charities, and to keep fit while doing it is something we could all learn from."