TWO Harlow residents were recognised in the Pride of Essex Awards.

The Pride of Essex Awards (formerly the ‘Essex Achievement Awards’) have been around since 1993. They were originated by Susie Cornell MBE. DL., who continues to be an active force behind them.

Originally the Awards were in recognition to special people, of all ages, who had faced enormous difficulties with courage and determination. The Awards also recognise those who had contributed significantly to the community. Originally there were only three categories:

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, they ran the award ceremony remotely. Film of the event is below.

St Clare Hospice’s Dr Qamar Abbas was highly commended in the Ultimate Award category

Dr Abbas has dedicated more than 20 years of his working life to patient care ensuring that people end their lives in the best way possible.

This year, Dr Abbas is celebrating his 20th anniversary of working at St Clare Hospice.

During this time, he has risen from being a doctor on the in patient unit to the Hospice’s medical director, but at all times his passion for patient care has remained his core focus.

He is also a consultant at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Dr Abbas also advises and trains local GPs, District nurses and other hospital staff ensuring healthcare professionals across Essex can further their knowledge of palliative care.

Qamar has also helped the Hospice to achieve accreditation as a University of  Cambridge teaching Hospice and created links with Anglia Ruskin.  

Last year Qamar raised more than £4k for the Hospice by trekking 95km in Cambodia

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Jean Miley: Unsung Hero: Highly commended

Jean leads an amazing charity called Harlow Stroke Support – Rehab. Centre.

They support 300 stroke survivors and their families. Each week, Jean runs exercise classes, speech & language classes, cognitive rehab. classes and social groups.

Currently Jean is providing a phone support service to our members, then organising repeat prescriptions, food deliveries and getting errands run so that the vulnerable members stay in.

Every member gets a regular check-in phone call to make sure they are well and to reduce social isolation.

Each day she provides crosswords, quizzes and projects to keep members focussed and to ensure that they have a clear purpose, to maintain their mental health.