Harrow’s community heroes were celebrated on Wednesday evening as volunteers, residents and local groups were recognised at the Harrow’s Heroes 2026 awards.
The ceremony was held on September 16 at the Great Barn at Headstone Manor, with awards presented to people making a difference across the borough, from supporting vulnerable residents and improving local parks to helping young people and giving decades of voluntary service.
Hundreds of nominations were received for this year’s awards, which are organised each year by Harrow Council.
Double honours for Ruth Boff and Pinner Rotary
It was a particularly memorable evening for Ruth Boff, who won the Contribution to the Community award before later being named Volunteer of the Year.
Ruth has served as Honorary Secretary of The Pinner Association for more than 21 years, helping residents with local issues and regularly giving her time to community events.
Pinner Rotary also picked up two awards, winning the Team Award before being named Volunteers of the Year.
The group organises several well-known local events, including the Pinner Rotary Village Show, St George’s Day celebrations, the Wheelbarrow Race and Pinner Santa’s Sleigh. It raised and donated more than £30,000 to registered charities in the year to 30 June 2026.
Young volunteers among those recognised
The Outstanding Young Person award went to 16-year-old Amir Subratty, who began volunteering with Harrow Litter Pickers when he was just 11.
He regularly gives up weekends and school holidays to clear rubbish from around the borough, including a 2.5-mile route between Queensbury and Northwick Park Roundabout.
The Extraordinary Achievement award went to Jordy Xavier Black, Officer Commanding of 1454 Harrow Squadron RAF Air Cadets.
Under his leadership, the squadron has grown from just eight cadets to more than 100 in three years.
Tim Dalton was highly commended in the same category after cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, litter picking along the way and raising more than £6,000 for Harrow Litter Pickers.
Winners from across Harrow
Friends of West Harrow Park won Pride in Harrow after more than a decade of work improving the park and bringing the local community together.
Paras and Kom received the Good Neighbour award, while Jade Weir won Supporting Vulnerable People for her work supporting residents through Carib & Co, wellbeing events and other community initiatives.
Krishna Pujara won Bringing People Together after more than 22 years of voluntary, cultural and charitable work.
Former Harrow headteacher Kevin Mahon received the Health and Wellbeing award for his long-running voluntary work, including his involvement with the Pinn Medical Centre Patients Association.
Steven Smith received the Lifetime Achievement award after more than 40 years with St John Ambulance. His work has included promoting CPR and defibrillator awareness and helping make first aid training more accessible.
Posthumous award for Muriel Desmond
A posthumous Lifetime Achievement award was also presented in memory of Mrs Muriel Desmond, who spent 35 years as a Harrow Shared Lives carer.
Muriel opened her home to vulnerable people, supporting them to build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. She died in June 2026.
Cllr Janet Mote praises finalists and winners
Cllr Janet Mote, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “What an incredible and inspiring night. I’m proud to live amongst some truly amazing people. These awards celebrate the very best of Harrow and shine a light on the incredible volunteers, community groups and local people who give their time, energy and compassion to help others.
“Every finalist should feel proud and congratulations to all our winners. Their stories show their generosity, kindness and dedication make Harrow such a special place to live and work.
“Thank you everyone who quietly work behind the scenes make a positive difference everyday. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners.”
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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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