Borough Council ‘Oscars’ celebrate Borough’s bright stars

Winning smiles . . . Mayor presents inspirational Susie with Active Lives award

By Helen Purcell for Erewash Sound

Brave Susie Lambart has been celebrated among other locals for her dedication to the borough after overcoming brain injury.

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 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 borough council’s coveted Active Lives in Erewash Awards in a ceremony held at Ilkeston Town Football Club.

She shared the Special Recognition Award with Lucy Haywood, who was honoured for her passion in promoting health and wellbeing in schools.

Lucy has worked for 30 years at Dallimore Primary and Nursery School in Kirk Hallam – delivering PE lesson to children aged three to 11 “with enthusiasm and energy”.

Accolades in a total of eight categories were handed out at the annual “Oscars” – which were again sponsored by Legacy Leisure. They included the Active Young Person’s Award, which was won by A-level student

Molly Geary, 17 – a volunteer tennis coach who was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases at age eight. Molly, pictured, is heavily involved with Ockbrook and Borrowash Tennis Club, where she has set up a pickleball section.