|
Construction industry honours the unsung heroes in a bid to inspire more people to help charities.
Here's an extract from the press release following the awards ceremony...
Five outstanding individuals, all with ties to the built environment, and who selflessly give their time to charity, have received a Guardian Constructive Carers Award. The inaugural awards ceremony, held at the iconic Heron Tower in London last evening, recognised individuals who have made an impact on the lives of people living with disabilities or those in need of assistance.
Mark Hobson, CEO of Guardian Water Treatment and Air Hygiene, sponsor and creator of the awards, said: "We hunted high and low to find people from within the sector that deserved public recognition for their contribution to charitable causes. We hope that Guardian Constructive Carers will go some way to encourage others in the built environment to dedicate some time to others who truly need support."
Award winners include quadriplegic Ray Edwards MBE, who inspires people through motivational and inspirational speaking. Ray said: "I have been decorated by The Queen, but to receive recognition from the construction industry means a lot to me.' Ray was in construction until a series of illnesses led to him losing his arms and legs; he now works tirelessly to help others who have lost limbs.
Another award recipient, Susan Pattrick, recently set up a website for disabled people, their care networks and families. She campaigns determinedly for people with disabilities, making sure that public buildings are adapted to make them accessible. Susan said: "It's amazing to be recognised for something that comes as a second nature to me. I think the Paralympics has opened the door to disability becoming much more widely understood and accepted. This is filtering through to the construction sector and many more disabled-friendly designs are being put in front of planners."
The other three recipients were Kareem Dayes, nominated for his altruistic motivation, Dr Rod Hackney, who has turned his well documented and celebrated career in architecture to more philanthropic pursuits and Dave Lee, a builder who has overcome personal challenges that led to him setting up and funding a rehabilitation charity for young people dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
"We will certainly be running these awards again next year," said Mark "It was a truly emotional evening and reminded us all that there are people out there who need assistance. It also showed us that there are others in the built environment who are willing to give up their time and direct their passion to bring about change."
Here's a link to their website of you want to know more ...
| 
