Brave Susie is among stars at council ‘Oscars’

Active Lives winner Susie with Erewash Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson (Credit: EBC)

A woman who has overcome a life-changing brain injury to selflessly help others was among the stars of an awards night staged by Erewash Borough Council to salute local people who inspire fellow citizens to get fit and healthy.

Susie Lambert was honoured by the Mayor in the 2026 Active Lives in Erewash Awards for her tireless work organising activities in the community. Her traumatic injury led her to launch support groups for residents living with long-term illnesses – but her caring mission has not stopped there.

She has been a driving force in a string of walking groups that have been set up across the borough. One is Walks4Wellbeing in Draycott. Another is in Cotmanhay, where she went on to deliver antisocial and disability awareness workshops for young people.

Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson presented her with one of the council’s coveted Active Lives in Erewash Awards in a ceremony held at Ilkeston Town Football Club. One of those who nominated her said: “Susie consistently does more than what is expected of her and to such high standards.

“She is a very approachable person and has a wonderful way of engaging people in calm conversations, pointing them in the right direction of suitable walks for their needs.”

Susie, who devotes her spare time to volunteering, recently trained as a Nordic walking instructor – leading two classes a week. She was a winner in one of eight categories at the annual “Oscars”. Susie shared the Special Recognition Award with Lucy Haywood, who was honoured for her passion in promoting health and well-being in schools. Lucy has been employed for 30 years at Dallimore primary and nursery in Kirk Hallam, where she was said to have delivered PE lessons to children aged three to 11 “with enthusiasm and energy”.

She is also a fundraiser for charities including Ben’s Den and Children in Need – and has run the London Marathon. One of those who backed her nomination said: “Lucy is our role model for staying fit, fostering connections and embracing kindness.”

Cllr Josy Hare, who is the borough’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, paid tribute to all those nominated.  She also praised the council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Development Team, which is behind the event.

Cllr Hare said: “They work tirelessly to help residents improve their health and wellbeing and increase levels of physical activity through various projects. Their aim is simple – to make Erewash a healthier, happier place to live.”

The Active Leader Award went to Clare McGinnis – director of girls rugby at Long Eaton Rugby Club. Runner-up was swim teacher Liz Howard, who founded the group Undercurrents to support women through menopause.

The Active Young Person’s award was won by A-level student Molly Geary, 17 (pictured right) – a volunteer tennis coach who was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases when she was eight. She is heavily involved with Ockbrook and Borrowash Tennis Club, where she has set up a pickleball section. Molly also works part-time as a wheelchair tennis coach at Nottingham Tennis Centre.

Runner-up was Lucas Mitchell – for his help with Friday Football sessions that are held at Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park.

Winner of the Legacy Leisure Active Participant Award was Warren Baker, who in his early 20s was diagnosed with a rare muscle-wasting disease. It left him in a wheelchair – until he began attending a leisure centre gym four months ago. Weight training there means he has been able to start using his legs again. Warren said: “The gym has become part of my life. I feel much better mentally and feel more confident.”

Runner-up was fellow leisure centre fan Amy Tacey. She started attending regularly to lose weight – and has transformed her fitness.

The All Move in Erewash Award – named after a council campaign to get people with long-term conditions more active – went to Mark King, who found himself having to use a mobility scooter as he struggled with obesity, high blood pressure and type II diabetes.

He became determined to do something about his fitness – summoning up the willpower to start taking short walks. Just 11 months later he jubilantly ran a half marathon. The turnaround in his health has led him to become an AMiE Champion in a bid to inspire others.

Runner-up in the category was ex-nurse Nikki Hall, who helped to found the local Sofa2Stroll+ walking group.

Rob Wilson and Lee Cumberland, who run Ilkeston Community Boxing Club, won the Active Volunteer Award. Their citation read: “Their commitment embodies true community spirit. They inspire confidence, promote resilience, and help change lives through the sport of boxing.”

Runner-up was Tracie Thorne, who for seven years has led the Long Eaton Walking Netball group every Monday morning.

The Active Group Award was won by Maggie’s Meet Up – a free monthly walking group in Kirk Hallam that assembles at the Cat and Fiddle pub. Runner-up was Ockbrook and Borrowash Tennis Club, which boast members ranging in age from five to 82.

The Active Project Award went to It’s Good to Walk, It’s Good to Talk – an Ilkeston Town FC initiative which has attracted more than 50 to take part. Louise Sumner from The Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust said: “Ilkeston Town Football Club are committed to supporting the local community to have opportunities to be active.

“Everyone I have met at the club have been extremely warm and welcoming. It is a great part of the Ilkeston community and they should be very proud of their impact.”

Runner-up was Fab Fridays – a project delivered by the charity Hope Long Eaton on the town’s Petersham estate. Volunteers stage activities for youngsters every Friday during the school holidays. Events include sports days, forest schools, emergency services days – and even a summer beach party.