Nominate now for Isle’s night of pride

Leesa Sharp (l) and Maxine Strong with their new t-shirts for the Pride of the Isle. Picture: Andrew Roe

Selfless, strong or courageous people of any age can be recognised in the 2015 Pride of the Isle Awards, but first they must be put forward by family, friends or admirers from the community.

The event takes place in memory of Alexander Strong of Epworth who died aged seven, of neuroblastoma cancer, in January last year.

Lex’s Legacy Pride of the Isle is to become a registered charity to benefit Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with any deserving cause within the Isle community that needs financial aid and charity support.

Organiser Leesa Sharpe who will register the charity with Lex’s mum, Maxine Strong, said: “We will be doing lots of fundraising throughout the year, not just for Bluebell Wood but for the Isle too. We hope if anyone is in need of any kind, that they will come to us for help. This could include play groups, village halls or individuals. It is amazing what community effort can do, as we have already seen.”

She added: “Local people support us so local people should benefit. We can all work together, and use the great spirit that exists in the Isle for common good. We will have a designated website that people can use to post their events.”

The second, even bigger celebration of the Isle’s special people will take place on January 24, 2015 in a marquee to seat 400 people at Westwoodside.

Nomination forms are available in Epworth town centre shops, and on the Facebook group site for Lex’s Legacy Pride of the Isle.

As last year, when awards attendees enjoyed a hot and cold buffet meal, with entertainment from John Parr, the Torn, and even Sheridan Smith among others, there will be celebrity guests and dancing. The Torn will take to the stage again, along with local singer Kay Gale.

“It may seem a long way off yet,” added Leesa, “But it’s important we get all the nominations in as soon as possible. Tickets have been selling fast, and it’s wonderful to find out about all the groups, beautiful people and good works going on in the Isle that you never even knew existed.”