A night of celebration as winners of Civic Awards 2025 announced

Inspirational people from across the borough have been celebrated at Grimsby Town Hall as the winners of the North East Lincolnshire Council Civic Awards 2025 were announced.

Among the eight awards this year was the Foster Carers’ Impact Award, one which is close to the heart of the Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of North East Lincolnshire, Cllr Steve Beasant, whose own mum was adopted.

Those nominated gathered for a special dinner before the Mayor, accompanied by last year’s winners, presented the awards to their successors. He told them:

“It is an honour to be surrounded by so many talented and brilliant people. To the winners, and everyone who is nominated in every single category, you’re fabulous and I applaud you.

“This is why Grimsby is great, because of the fantastic people and what they do in the borough, working together and making a real difference.”

The winners of the Civic Awards 2025 are:

Business in the Community Award

Gemma, from Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, has created a thriving business that donates 5% of profits to charities and individuals facing hardship. Her significant contributions to the community, including sponsorship of Grimsby Town Football Club, reflect her humble and grounded nature.

Charity / Volunteer of the Year Award

Cudox Wellbeing is a dedicated charity in Grimsby, founded by Angie Graham, that supports mental health and wellbeing. In the past year, they have helped over 900 individuals through rapid, long-term therapy, creative art therapy groups and workplace wellbeing sessions. Their person-centred, flexible approach ensures accessible mental health support, making a significant impact on the community and filling critical gaps in local mental health services.

Environmental Impact Award

Roy Robinson (77) has transformed Buffalo Bill’s Pocket Park into a thriving haven for wildlife since 2018, dedicating 30 hours weekly to maintenance. His efforts have increased biodiversity, attracting kestrels, hedgehogs, and pollinators and earned ‘Outstanding@ RHS’ recognition annually. Beyond this, he actively supports community initiatives through East Marsh Involve CIC. Roy’s dedication and positivity leave a lasting impact.

Foster Carer Impact Award

Roz and Stefan Zarzyna have been dedicated foster carers for 22 years, supporting children with Autism, ADHD, attachment issues, challenging behaviours and anxiety. Their extensive experience and training in child development enable them to address underlying emotional needs effectively. They are currently caring for a highly-complex child, consistently employing innovative strategies and risk management. Additionally, they have successfully supported three long-term children in care through to independence, demonstrating exceptional insight into the emotional challenges faced by teenagers.

Inspirational Young Person Award

Evan Davies, a 13-year-old academy footballer for Grimsby Town FC, has inspired the medical profession and raised awareness of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Diagnosed at age 10, Evan faced severe challenges, but joined a clinical trial for a biologic immunotherapy drug, leading to remarkable improvements. Now in medicated remission, he excels in football and acting. Evan’s mission is to inspire other JIA children and promote clinical research. As the BBC Young Reporter of the Year, he has already shared his story widely, raising awareness and inspiring clinicians and patients alike. Evan’s resilience and advocacy have made a significant impact.

Sport and Wellness Impact Award

Nicola Aisthorpe created the community initiative “The Secret Garden of Books”. This free, year-round activity encourages reading and physical activity for children. Held in Grant Thorold Park, Nicola organises the book hunt during school holidays and hides books for ages 0-14, inviting children to keep them or re-hide them. Nicola’s initiative has brightened many children’s lives.

Veteran Impact Award

Steve Sampher is nominated for the Veteran Impact Award for his exceptional dedication to supporting veterans. Despite his own challenges, including using a prosthetic leg, Steve has become a driving force in the veteran community. He works with Combat Stress, Hull FC and most importantly NEL4Heroes, providing peer support, promoting wheelchair rugby and organising fitness and social activities. Steve’s efforts have significantly strengthened the veteran community and he is known for going above and beyond to help others.

Mayor’s Civic Award – Betty and John Love (Foster Carers)

With 38 years of unwavering dedication and compassionate care as foster carers for North East Lincolnshire Council, Betty and John Love have provided newborn babies with the love, stability and attention they deserve. Their extraordinary commitment, patience and nurturing nature has ensured that vulnerable infants receive the best possible start in life, particularly those who are sick or withdrawing.

Betty and John’s selfless devotion to meeting the medical and emotional needs of each baby, along with creating a warm and loving environment, is truly inspiring. They have shown exceptional resilience and an innate ability to provide comfort and security to the most vulnerable in our society. By working closely with social workers, health professionals and adoptive families, they have ensured seamless transitions for each baby into their permanent homes. Their dedication, empathy and willingness to go the extra mile have left a lasting impact on the lives of many children.

Thank you to the Civic Award winners 2024 who each presented the awards this year. They are: Sharan Gohil, Blossom Home Care; Paul McCormack, Sunflower Children’s Action Group; Elaine Atkinson, Grimsby in Bloom; Lorraine Powell, YMCA Humber; Mike Burton and Marc Ireland.