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4 A word from the Costa Blanca People Managing Director,
CLAIRE RICHARDS It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 12th annual Costa Blanca People Pride of Spain awards. For the 12th consecutive year, we are hosting this unique event where we have the chance to celebrate the unsung heroes from our local community. Once again, alongside our main sponsors Moneycorp, we are delighted to be behind this local initiative, honouring and celebrating the community here on the Costa Blanca. It is an inspiration to see what we can achieve by working together – look how many hundreds of
thousands of euros have been raised by local people, for local people. The sheer number of people working in voluntary roles for local charities is staggering and the dedication and attitude of our local volunteers is both heartwarming and humbling. Our businesspeople, our animal welfare community, our fundraisers, our volunteers – it is all of YOU who are the beating heart of this community, making it a place in which we are all so proud to live. I would like to thank all of our finalists for being here with us tonight and wish you the best of luck in your categories. Having been on the interviewing panel
myself, I can vouch for how difficult the process was. When so many people here tonight have done such good work, and achieved so much, it is hard to single out winners when all are so deserving of recognition. Tonight wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of all our sponsors (you will find more details on our sponsors later on in this programme), all of whom are local businesses who, like the Costa Blanca People, wish to recognise the spirit of kindness and generosity in the expat community here on the Costa Blanca. Once again, thank you all for coming and enjoy the evening.
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6 child of courage aWard Nigel Watson
It is with great sadness that we make this award to Nigel posthumously. After a brave and intense battle against his illness Nigel gained his angel wings on Sunday 21st October. We met Nigel in September and talked to
him and his Mum Jackie about his condition and were won over by the little boy with the big smile and big heart. The warmth of the hugs we received from him when he left that day will stay with us and our heartfelt condolences go out to his Mum Jackie and all his family and friends. Ten year old Nigel Watson from La Marina, was a healthy, happy, loving young boy until he was struck down earlier this year by brain Glioma. This is a type tumour that starts in the glial cells of the brain and makes up about 80 percent of all malignant brain tumours and Nigel’s was inoperable. This brave little boy endured several rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an operation the effects
7 of which affected his balance, walking and his facial muscles - but never dampened his spirit or took away his smile. Despite his condition Nigel faced each day with a great sense of humour and unconditional love for his family and friends, his positive approach to life and the bravery he demonstrated in the face of adversity are lessons to us all. Nigel is truly a Child of Courage and we are honoured to give this award in his memory.
fuNdraiSer of The year aWard Sandra Knott Sandra started Charity for Charities 11 years ago and in that time it has donated a staggering €258,000 and every penny has been donated to charities across the Costa Blanca. Over the years Charity for Charities has benefitted all of the major charities and good causes in the local community supporting and funding help and support for those battling conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, fundraising for adults, children and animals. The majority of the money is raised through a weekly auction, held every Monday at the new venue of JR’s Country Club, Quesada – formerly held for many years at the Bull Flannigan. The auction raises an average of €200 each week and this is supplemented by ad hoc fundraising events such as fancy dress nights.
Help at Home Costa Blanca
Since its inception HAHCB has made a considerable positive difference to the quality of life of expats living in Spain. Many are aware of the services the charity offers the community from respite care, help at home, companionships and advice. However, many may not realise that the charity also raises money to general hep those in need across the community by supporting other charities. For example, HAHCB recently raised an amazing €31,000 to help buy a new ambulance for the Cruz Roja. Through its charity shops and volunteer network, the charity has also given thousands of euros to Caritas through a regular monthly donation used to feed local families in need, €1,200 was donated to the San Jose Obrero Orphanage, Reach Out Torrevieja and the Tasha Appeal have also benefitted in additional to numerous individuals who have been given financial support for a specific reason to improve the quality of life such as mobility equipment or nursing care.
Eddie Coleman Eddie began raising money for charities in the UK in 1984 when he joined the Freemasons and so when he moved to Spain in was natural for him to want to continue his efforts to help local causes across the Southern Costa Blanca. Over the years Eddie has raised money for: Help for Heroes, ECCH, Reach Out, Alzheimers, Help at Home and Paul Cunningham Nurses and although he’s never kept a running total his contribution to local good causes amounts to thousands of euros. Eddie also works tirelessly on behalf of the local branch of the Royal British Legion and is the Branch Standard Bearer, representing the RBL Costa Blanca South District in formal parades and events.
healThcare ProffeSioNal Beatriz Lara Beatriz has been the resident Social Worker at the Casa Verde foundation for the last four years. After a short time at the foundation, Beatriz quickly realised how difficult it is for some expats living in Spain when they encounter difficulties with no help, no family and very little resources. With agreement from her manager, Beatriz shifted the focus of her role to the needs of the expat community. She has since developed a care at home programme for expats and now works alongside most of the major charities in the southern Costa Blanca, offering help, advice and information on how residents can access the various services available to them. She organises regular training for care workers and volunteers, holds talks and conferences in order that the charities representatives are kept up to date on the latest information from social services and have a chance to network and pool their resources for the good of the people. Beatriz also acts as a liaison between social workers attached to town halls or hospitals and the various charities serving this area. Beatriz is passionate about her work (often continuing to work out of hours and even on holiday if the need arises) and is described by the charities with which she works as a truly wonderful person. Her belief that the language barrier can become an obstacle for vulnerable people to access community resources spurs Beatriz on to build bridges between town halls, government departments and local charities in order that together, everyone can do their best for those in need. To name just a few of her current roles, Beatriz is trainer and support adviser to the Royal British Legion, she offers support and advice to the Royal Air Force (in fact, they made her an honorary member of the Costa Blanca Branch), she works with Help Vega Baja, Age Concern, Stroke Support, Help at
8 Home and the Huntington’s disease charity as a trainer and adviser as well as organising talks and offering links to town halls.
Dr. Machi Mannu As a fully qualified and experienced medical doctor working in the UK, Dr Mannu be came disillusioned with traditional healthcare provision and strove to establish a diagnostic and therapy clinic here in Spain specialising in healthy living and natural healing. He practices a natural and scientific approach to healthcare using the best of the world’s leading noninvasive technologies and carefully selected natural remedies backed by scientific research. His clinic, Medb, uses the latest stateof-the-art diagnostic equipment and recommendations are made based on scientific studies, clinical and personal evidence. Over the last six years Dr Mannu has helped hundreds of patients move away from unneeded medications towards substances that are found naturally in the body to heal diseases and alleviate symptoms. Dr Mannu publishes a monthly print and online health magazine with the aim to educate the public on disease prevention and healthy lifestyles. His plans for the future include more Medb clinics across the local area under a franchise system and to enhance the online interaction between the clinic and its patients. María José Montesinos
Maria Jose is a nurse working at the Health Centre in San Luis. Her patients praised her absolute dedication to her profession and her care, beyond the
boundaries of simply ‘doing her job’. One patient in particular credits Maria Jose for not only improving his quality of life, but actively prolonging it. Having arrived in Spain suffering from severe breathing problems, he expected to enjoy a couple of years in the sun ‘before the inevitable happened’. He didn’t bank on meeting Maria Jose, who helped him completely conquer his problems once and for all, using natural methods like a more suitable diet. Thanks to Maria Jose’s dedication and care, this gentleman is now 76 years of age, taking no medication and in his own words, living the best quality of life he has ever enjoyed. He said “I have never been happier because this special person has helped me to find myself. I don’t have enough words to thank her, in any language.”
coMMuNiTy SPiriT aWard Jaqueline Roberts Jackie set up Barkinside after leaving a rescue centre and taking 24 dogs with her to her home to care for. Without charitable status Jackie needs to constantly raise money to look after her charges with monthly bills of €1,100 for vets and €500 for food. She does this through a wide range of activities such as: boot fairs, dog walks, Winter Wonderland tours and Easter walks. She hosts a quiz night in the local village every Monday. Jackie works constantly, all day every day looking after the dogs, rarely taking a break and is helped by one volunteer for a couple of hours each day and supported by her partner, who has learned to share their house, garden and sell possessions as and when he needs to! Jackie is passionate about her animals and about pet-care in general. She regularly visits Kings College School to help educate the children on animal welfare and care. She operates a foster
programme, which allows elderly people who want dog to adopt one without the worry of wondering what will happen if there are no longer around. Under Jackie’s scheme the pet goes straight back to Barkinside to be cared for. There is also a trial scheme, which allows people to adopted a dog on a temporary basis to see how the pet fits with family life. Jackie homed her 389th dog in September this year.
Casey Shaddock Casey Shaddock is well known on the coast for her role as president of the Villamartin Plaza community - a popular venue among residents and tourists alike. When Casey became president six years ago, along with the responsibility this role brings, she also spotted an opportunity – a platform to do good. Casey told us of memories of her father, who had always been a philanthropist, helping people who couldn’t help themselves. It was this upbringing that has always drawn Casey towards helping good causes. So, using her role at the plaza, Casey began to use the venue to stage charity events – concerts, shows, tribute acts. The gamble paid off. Not only has she raised tens of thousands of euro (her most recent event alone raised in excess of €30,000!) she has also breathed new life in to the Plaza. The area had become somewhat tired but with these new events drawing more people, the entire complex gained a new lease of life. The business owners are delighted with the new atmosphere and even the homeowners join in the antics, many enjoying a privileged view of the concerts (from the ‘royal boxes’ as the apartment balconies are now known) and with Casey’s encouragement, emptying their pockets (and wallets) and throwing money down to the collection buckets below. Using her contacts, her determination and her interminable energy, Casey has brought a community together and has raised a whopping amount of money in the process.
9 Pat Milligan Pat began holding ladies lunches in Catral in early 2009 with the aim of bringing people together to make friends. Starting with a monthly lunch of around 20 people, Pat’s events have grown to attract as many as 150 people and usually include a musical act and a raffle. Many ladies have met their current circle of friends through the lunches, which gives Pat a great sense of satisfaction having been able to bring people together. Not only that, but the lunches now raise good money for local charities – Pat estimates that she has raised in the region of €20,000! In addition, Pat gathers items for the Elche Children’s Care Home, groceries for local families in need, money for her local social services department to purchase what is needed for families. Through her events she is able to present cash donations to many local charities and is incredibly grateful of the support of her ladies and the community as a whole.
BeyoNd The call of duTy aWard Jim Brogan Jim Brogan is the neighbour everyone wishes they had. He works tirelessly to help others in the area whether it is helping find escaped pets, arranging residencia or important paperwork – in fact, he has taken to keeping a stack of forms and information sheets in his house as he is called on so often for help and advice. Jim has spent many years working with the local town hall, building relationships and gathering information. As such, he is a fountain of knowledge about the local area. When he first arrived to live in
Spain, there was a distinct lack of information about ‘how’ to live in Spain but over the last 30 years, Jim has armed himself with this knowledge and now uses it to help others integrate well and settle in Spain. Involvement in neighbourhood watch as a mediator led Jim to further his work in the community and now leads the Torre Sur Coalition of Communities, an apolitical group of representatives of communities in the south of Torrevieja. One neighbour who nominated Jim for this award told the Costa Blanca People, “Jim has built up such a rapport with the council that people living in the area go to him to fix absolutely everything from fly tipping to street lights not working. With Jim on board, things get done.” Another said, “Jim is a champion. No matter how busy he is, he finds time to help. If it is giving information on sorting a tax matter, or how to get something fixed, Jim is the man we all rely on. He is there for everybody, no problem to him. He will do it, however long it takes and always puts your mid at rest on things.” His work is not without its challenges – for example, dealing with interdepartmental bureaucracy and delays when it comes to local authorities. Jim says that patience is a virtue and that things will get done eventually if he is persistent enough! His work is varied, for example he has his own police liaison officer and between them, they update each other on issues in the community. He also kickstarted an ‘alarm’ group – a whatsapp group for his local area which issues warnings if for example, there are con men operating in the neighbourhood. He also developed a code system for his urbanisation. Following the tragic discovery of the body of a neighbour who had passed away, Jim’s neighbours each leave secret ‘clues’ for each other to signal that they are up and about that that everything is ‘ok’. It might for example be opening the shutters, or putting a particular plant pot on the wall, but the code system means that at a glance up and down the street, neighbours can see if anything is amiss or if someone needs to be checked on. Jim is president of his community of residents and deals with the running and maintenance of the urbanisation in which he lives. He was also national president of Neighbourhood Watch for a year. In addition, in the event of an incident such as a house break in, bicycle
theft, etc, Jim also help deal with the Guardia Civil on site and accompanies anyone who needs help to the Guardia Civil offices to translate and help make the ‘denuncia’. Jim goes above and beyond the call of duty for neighbours, communities and those living in Torrevieja. Why does he dedicate so much time to helping others? He says it is his way of giving thanks to those who helped him when he first came to.
BuSiNeSS of The year aWard Golf Stash Golf Stash was established by local golf pro, Alexander Ward in early 2016. Having previously worked as a resident golf professional at a well known golf course, Alex decided to set up his own golf shop. After some time, he realised that being tied to the shop came with many restrictions and that golf bookings were where his interests really lay. Alex decided to move his business to an online only format and he hasn’t looked back since. Alex told us, “The freedom I have now is fantastic. Because I am not stuck in the shop from 9am to 6pm, I can actually be more available to clients and have often found myself replying to messages at midnight to sort out bookings. I think this is a real advantage for me because I can reply instantly and don’t have to wait until I open up an office or shop the next morning. Clients can be dealt with there and then which is so important.” The feedback Alex has been getting so far is that he did the right thing in changing his business model. Using his website and Facebook page, Alex can live chat with clients from all over the world who want to book golf in Spain. He has established links with all of the major golf courses and with plans to expand his booking business to Morocco and Russia in the future, the sky is the limit. His focus is not on the bottom line but on the customer. His ethos being that if the customer is happy and
10 comes back to him again, the bottom line will look after itself. He says, “I’m focusing on the bigger picture, not just money. I am doing what I love and I am so lucky.”
Kosta Kitchens Kosta Kitchens has been established on the Costa Blanca since 2003 by husband and wife team James and Claire Woodham. The business began as a ‘man in a van’ service run from the couple’s spare bedroom, moved to the Indoor Market in Formentera, a small shop in San Luis. Kosta Kitchens now occupies a full showroom in Torreiveja and has evolved into a leading regional specialist and James now has a team of designers, fitters and admin staff to help meet customers’ needs. The business is a chosen stockist for Inko and Haecker kitchens and offers clients a wide range of kitchen services with bespoke designs complete with project management of building works and transformations. James believes that attention to detail and professionalism are key factors in the success of the business and still takes it personally if things don’t go quite according to plan. Plans for the future include a second showroom and general expansion.
La Taberna La Taberna is the longest running bar in Quesada with the same owner for 25 years. The bar is described as truly international with fantastic service, great music and the owner Elisa knows everyone by name. “It is about time they were recognised for service to the Quesada community,” said one nomination. One client said, “Elisa who owns La Taberna is so lovely, kind and her attention to detail is immaculate. Every time we're
sad to leave this place but we already can't wait to return next year.” Another said, “The staff are fantastic and work extremely hard to ensure everyone enjoys themselves”
eMPloyee of The year aWard Tynesha Dudgeon Tynesha Dudgeon has been working at Holland & Barrett since its new Torrevieja branch opened in June. Customers who nominated Tynesha described her as “extremely helpful – she went above and beyond to make sure we understood, and was so knowledgeable about the products. She really put us at ease.” Tynesha always tries to do her job with a “positive vibe” and is described as very easy to talk to. In her role, she has to ask questions about customers’ health and lifestyle to be in a position to offer advice so Tynesha makes sure customers are made to feel comfortable having a chat. She describes herself as a happy and positive person, and hopes to continue working with Holland & Barrett for many years to come – she loves her job there, says the working environment is incredibly positive and that it is a lovely team to be part of. On being nominated for the Pride of Spain Awards, Tynesha was surprised at first, but feels very grateful for customers who took their time to nominate her and is honoured to represent Holland & Barrett Torrevieja.
Donna Bosworth Donna has worked for Vincent Real Estate for the last four years. She was surprised by her nomination (in fact, she thought perhaps her boss was playing a trick on
her!). Donna is one of those lucky people who love their job. She relishes the team atmosphere in the office and describes her co-workers as ‘amazing’. Her role is very diverse – no two days are the same, she explained. Donna feels that she is ‘just doing her job’ but her clients obviously feel that she goes the extra mile as she was praised for her sunny nature and helpful manner. Donna relishes dealing with the public and really enjoys her work. With a background in real estate after sales (arguably, the toughest aspect of real estate), Donna is calm in a crisis and a fantastic troubleshooter.
aNiMal Welfare aWard Colleen Jay Colleen has been working with animals for most of her adult life and like many, came to Spain to retire after years of working, most recently at a donkey sanctuary in Ireland. Colleen’s life is dedicated to animals and, drawn to her vocation, when she settled in Spain started to rescue dogs. This led to husband Peter building kennels for the rescues and this in turn led to the formation of Paradise Rescue Kennels. Paradise Rescue Kennels is based at Benferri and run by Colleen, Mary Ann and dedicated team of volunteers. Like all rescue organisations they do an amazing job on a shoestring budget and work endless hours saving dogs and puppies from awful situations and kill stations. Colleen’s work is challenging but she couldn’t see herself doing anything else. She was thrilled by her nomination (actually, it is the first time she remembers being “lost for words”) and is delighted to be in tonight’s final.
Elaine Sissions Elaine divides her time between her two homes, one in the UK and the other here on the Costa Blanca. However, wherever she is the equines at the Easy Horse Care
11 Rescue Centre are never far from her mind. Since her first visit to the centre in 2014 Elaine has been passionate about raising money to support the near hundred horses, ponies and donkeys who have been rescued from lives of abuse and neglect. In her quest to boost the coffers Elaine has taken of increasingly difficult and hairraising challenges from fairly sedate afternoon teas and fashion shows to parachute jumps, the three peaks and even a 12 mile Tough Mudder – raising an amazing 8,000 euros in total. In addition, when she is in Spain she can be found helping in the charity’s shop or with the open days at the Rojales-based Centre.
Jeanette López Jeanette López is the founder of Finca la Castellana Animal Welfare Centre. Jeanette has always worked with animals in some aspect – in the UK she worked with equine rescue and the RSPCA. Jeanette moved to her Finca in 2000 (to retire!) and within three days, had rescued her first dog. Over the following six years, she rescued a huge amount of dogs, cats, ponies and even pigs! She then realised her pension couldn’t support the care of all of these animals in need and went about the long process of starting a charity. With patience and perseverance, she formally registered her charity and now not only works rescuing abandoned domestic animals, she is also called on by the Local Police and Guardia Civil in animal rescues. Jeanette is a big believer in education in the community and encourages neutering pets by offering procedures at half price in conjunction with her vet, Eduardo’s Pets. This, says Jeanette, saves a lot of heartache and money in the future. Spaying one female dog is a lot easier than rehoming or paying for 12 unwanted
pups.Jeanette and her team work hard to fundraise to support their work and were able to secure use of the Facebook ‘donate’ button – the requirements for use of which are incredibly strict. She has also spearheaded the charity’s Green Mile project, which as the name may suggest to those familiar with the popular movie, is to do with ‘death row’. Jeanette takes a dog from the killing centre and puts it up for adoption and in the last six months, has rescued 53 dogs from being put to sleep. Jeanette describes her work as difficult, but rewarding. She is grateful for all the help she gets from family, friends and the community and is honoured to be a finalist in tonight’s awards.
SPecial recogNiTioN aWard David English David English was at the helm of the Elche Children’s Care Home charity since its inception in 2004 until his retirement from duty earlier this year. David has enjoyed every minute of his work for the charity (and despite his ‘retirement’ is still very much involved). What started off as buying and wrapping a few Christmas gifts for the children at the home evolved into one of the most well known charities on the southern Costa Blanca. Despite having been President of this well known cause for well over a decade, David modestly described his role as that of a ‘lifter and shifter’, mainly collecting donations. However, those close to the charity know that David has done so much more during his remit. For the occasion of his retirement, David was presented with a very special book with comments from colleagues and friends of the charity. One said, “Your kindness, generosity and hard work over the years has ensured that hundreds of children have benefited from not only the huge amount of money you have raised but that they have felt loved and cared for by so many people.” Another read, “David, your dignified
presence at the helm of the ECCH Charity has been an inspiration to many.” “Your years as the president of ECCH have inspired me to help the children too. You are one special man”- said Stevie Spit. Another heartfelt remark read, “Both you and Annette have been amongst the most inspirational, kind and energetic people I have ever met. Your legacy will be enduring. What an incredible achievement by you both. I am very proud to say we are your friends.” David said he was shocked to be considered for a Pride of Spain Award but we are sure you will agree that he is very deserving of this accolade.
PeoPle’S chaMPioN aWard Age Concern 20th Anniversary in Spain: The Age Concern charity began in a small house in Los Balcones in 1998. Since then it has flourished to become a household name here on the Costa Blanca. They offer welfare services, help and support to the over 50s and provide much needed social contact for those living alone or with limited access to transport. Earlier this year, the organisation was delighted to welcome some important guests to their 20th anniversary occasion, including Elizabeth Bell, Vice Consul and a number of representatives from local government. José Manuel Dolón, mayor of Torrevieja, gave a speech and presented the traditional salt boat to Maureen Payne, President of Age Concern for the past ten years. Special recognition was also given to Wilma Aitkenhead, manager of the Torrevieja charity shop which helps to provide much needed funds for the organisation. Wilma is a founder member and has been working for Age Concern for the past 20 years. Age Concern will now continue with their good work and ensure that people continue to enjoy their life in Spain even when they are at the stage of needing that extra support. They are always looking out for new volunteers and if you feel that you could spare a few hours to help them please call 966 786 887.
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