There were tears and cheers as the annual Pride in Medway event celebrated the Towns’ unsung heroes.

A packed theatre at MidKent College’s Gillingham campus heard inspiring stories of voluntary and community work.

Held on Friday night, special guest Phil Gallagher – children’s TV Mister Maker – was there to hand out awards.

More than 100 guests attended, representing groups, clubs and other organisations from across Medway.

The awards’ sponsors chose a winner from nominees who were entered into the competition for categories including community service, good care, charity fundraiser, volunteer of the year and young hero.

Dockide Property Services chose Neil and Tracy Charlick, of Gillingham Street Angels, who do so much to help the homeless and people on low incomes.

MidKent College’s winner was Club AUsome which supports young people living with autism.

mhs homes went for Ellie Aldridge and Hayley Faye Rheins whose dance classs DizAbility Dance Co works with childden and adults with disabilities.

Joanne Watson was Medway Council’s winner – she has helped hundreds of Ukrainian refugees through her community group ‘Medway help for Ukrainians’.

Uniper chose Shea Coffey, who continues to be a tireless champion of Medway and the LGBT+ community

The Medway Messenger decided to honour veteran care home boss Jyothi Prathap Jana for her decades of caring for the elderly.

AC Goatham & Son decided on Emma Thomas, the founder and project coordinator of the Hygiene Bank Medway.

Grace Kelly was Bridgewood Manor Hotel’s winner – for the last nine years she has organised a Community Christmas Lunch in Rochester for the homeless and those struggling.

The Sarah Clarke Award, in honour of the Medway Messenger’s late news editor, went to The Great Lines Parkrun Volunteers’ Group which makes sure the Saturday event goes ahead for the community.

The overall Pride in Medway Award 2023 was given to Medway Help for Ukrainians which helps support people who have fled the war.

It supports displaced women, bringing together the Ukrainians with the Medway community offering unwavering support.

It has a network of supporters across our Towns including St Francis Church in Strood, which provides the weekly Sunflower cafe, Morrisons which donates food, clothing and household items, MidKent College and the Victory Academy which hold English lessons.