Last night, Harrow’s community gathered to celebrate the exceptional contributions of local volunteers at the Harrow’s Heroes Awards.
Hosted in the historic Great Barn at Headstone Manor, the event welcomed over 100 guests, including finalists, sponsors, and dignitaries, who came together to honour those who go above and beyond to support their communities.
Cllr Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, presented the Extraordinary Achievement Award to Casey Dalton from Harrow Litter Pickers. He said, “I think this is an amazing event. The community spirit we have in Harrow is absolutely impressive, amazing, and awesome. It’s really good that businesses and organisations give back to the community and support events like this.
“I want to thank all the finalists, nominees, and judges. Personally, you would like to give the award to everyone. The amount of time, effort, and difference you all make in this room is what makes Harrow the borough that I love and a better place to live.”
The evening, dedicated to acts of kindness, courage, and determination and organised by Harrow Council each year, saw 11 winners across various categories. The highest honours went to Bipin Dattani, who won both the Health and Wellbeing Award and Volunteer of the Year Award. His tireless work in raising awareness about diabetes and promoting digital inclusion has had a lasting impact, particularly on older adults in the community.
Dattani’s efforts through the Diabetes Community Club and his digital inclusion classes have empowered people to manage their health more confidently. His work has been especially meaningful to seniors, including a 90-year-old resident who, after joining the group, became proficient with technology and now assists others.
Reflecting on his double win, Bipin Dattani said, “It is a great honour to win not just one award but two. This means a lot to me, and I am still taking it all in. Diabetes is prevalent in Harrow, and I am passionate about ensuring people have access to information and advice that helps them manage their health. I’d like to congratulate everyone – it was a great pleasure to meet so many worthy finalists and see their work recognised.”
Cllr David Perry, Leader of Harrow Labour, presented the Good Neighbour Award to David Woon Soong. He said, “There are many people who rely on you, and to be relied upon is a great responsibility. It’s something that makes our community here in Harrow truly great. In my eyes, you’re all winners.”
The night ended with a performance by the Indie Choir, featuring songs such as “All The Small Things,” “One Day Like This,” and – fittingly, “Heroes.”
Cllr Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, praised the event’s success, saying, “What a fantastic evening with our local heroes. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners of this year’s Harrow’s Heroes awards. The awards showcase the best of Harrow, and I am so proud to be a part of this special evening. It is crucial to recognise the contributions of ordinary people who go out of their way to make a difference to Harrow residents and the wider community.”
She added, “We’ve had some exceptional nominations this year, and it’s clear their actions not only put our residents and communities first – they help change lives, improve local communities, and make life that extra bit better for people. On behalf of the London Borough of Harrow, I’d like to thank all our volunteers for everything they do.”
Other winners included Cathy Kim, who received the Bringing People Together Award, Paul Turner for Lifetime Achievement, and St Luke’s Hospice Bereavement Support Service Volunteers, named Team of the Year.
2024 Award Winners:
• Bringing People Together: Cathy Kim
• Lifetime Achievement: Paul Turner
• Good Neighbour: David Woon Soong
• Outstanding Young Person: Joshua Patel
• Health and Wellbeing: Bipin Dattani
• Pride in Harrow: Harrow Parks Forum
• Team of the Year: St Luke’s Hospice Bereavement Support Service Volunteers
• Extraordinary Achievement: Casey Dalton
• Supporting Vulnerable People: Grace Kelly-Graham
• Contribution to the Community: Chandni Palan
• Volunteer of the Year: Bipin Dattani
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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