Giving So Much Extra
A woman who set up a charity for underprivileged children and families living in Brighton is this week’s Local Hero.
Anne Bickmore, from Peacehaven, set up The ABC Fund to provide opportunities for children to go on holidays and have days out together, and won a Halifax Giving Extra Award for her hard work.
Ms Bickmore said: “It is a tribute to all who volunteer and work tirelessly for the ABC fund, without them I would not have benefitted.
“The children that the ABC Fund supports truly deserve the trips and treats we provide.”
In 2013, Ms Bickmore received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours for her work.
The charity, which was founded in 1991, organises events such as an annual trip to the pantomime, as well as providing presents and hampers at Christmas.
In January more than 400 children attended a performance of Beauty and the Beast.
Ms Bickmore organises fundraising activities and sources sponsors, to ensure the work of the charity can continue.
Friend and treasurer of the ABC Fund, Valerie Caswell, nominated Ms Bickmore for the Halifax Giving Extra Award for going above and beyond for the people in her community.
The Giving Extra Awards programme is a UK-wide search for inspiring people that go the extra mile to give something back.
Claire McKain, community ambassador for the bank, said: “Halifax received thousands of nominations nationwide, so we’re delighted that Anne has won a Halifax Giving Extra Award in Peacehaven.
“The work she has done for the community is outstanding and truly deserves the recognition.”
Each regional winner receives £300 in bonus bond vouchers and the national winner will receive a further £2,500 in vouchers with a £2,500 donation to a good cause of their choice.
David Nicholson, group director, Halifax Community Bank, said: “We believe that we should recognise and celebrate people like Anne who are catalysts for positive and lasting change.”
Thanking My Lifesavers
A pair of quick-thinking council workers who saved the life of a police officer are this week’s Local Heroes.
Adam Samuel and Ian Power saw John Fivash, a firearms officer for Sussex Police, fall in Worthing’s Pavilion Road while they were carrying out their street-cleaning duties in December.
Mr Samuel, 52, said: “We saw John lying on the ground with his head jammed against a steel gate.
“People were just walking past. I couldn’t believe it when I saw one man walk by more concerned about his mobile phone.
"A wound on his head wasn’t bleeding so we knew he had a heart attack or something before.”
The council workers took Mr Fivash’s pulse and asked a nearby resident to call an ambulance.
Mr Samuel said: “Luckily it was only a few minutes away because just as we saw the ambulance, he went into full cardiac arrest.
"I have first aid training so I put that into good use. Luckily though the paramedics arrived just in time and brought him back.”
The ambulance took Mr Fivash to Worthing Hospital where he had stents fitted and has since made a full recovery.
For their efforts, the council duo has been invited to a special tea in the Mayor’s Parlour where they will be officially thanked by Worthing Mayor, Councillor Vic Walker, for their help.
John Fivash will also be present to thank them in person.
Mr Power said: “Because we are out and about on the streets every day we were in the fortunate position to be in the right place at the right time to help Mr Fivash.
We like to think that we don’t just clean the streets as we are a public spirited bunch and would help anyone who is in distress - it is all part of the service.
We are glad John has made a full recovery.”
A now-recovered Mr Fivash thanked his council heroes. He said: “My sincere thanks go to Ian and Adam as their swift attention undoubtedly helped save my life.
“I am a fully trained first aider but never thought I would be the one requiring assistance. I look forward to thanking them in person when I meet them in the parlour.”
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