Unsung heroes celebrated at awards

Charity workers, volunteers and business owners have been honoured by awards recognising their achievements in their local communities.

The Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards (MBCC) celebrated unsung heroes as well as local celebrities at its ceremony in Birmingham.

Benjamin Zephaniah's family accepted a posthumous award on the poet's behalf and Alison Hammond received an inspirational role model award presented to her by singer Beverley Knight.

The annual MBCC awards were set up in 2016 by Zoe Bennett, whose father, Errol, was murdered in Jamaica in 2011.

Ms Bennett, from Sutton Coldfield, said she was driven to start the awards after his death at the age of 59.

She took the stage and said: “My dad was my hero and I wanted to recognise other people who do so much for others.

"My mission was to focus on the people that make a difference in both the business and general community.

"People who go out their way to help others selflessly without wanting any praise or thanks. This is for all the unsung heroes here tonight. Thank you for being here.”

The event which was hosted by comedian Judi Love and soul legend Omar, celebrating people across 20 categories.

Chef Levi Roots received an honorary inspirational entrepreneur award.

Speaking on his Dragons' Den appearance, he said: "I remember the day so vividly.

"I was told ‘don’t sing,’ but I took my guitar with me... and here we are.”

Recipients shared their inspiring stories as they accepted their awards.

Natasha Broomfield-Reid, from Coventry, was recognised for her work to help embed diversity into workplaces and education.

Ms Broomfield-Reid, director of consultancy firm Diverse Matters, won the excellence in diversity and inclusion category.

She said: "I love what I do in supporting organisations and individuals to ensure that there are inclusive cultures and processes in place, teams feel supported and reducing any gaps, inequalities or disadvantage."

Alison Hammond, 49, emotionally apologised to her 19-year-old son Aidan.

The This Morning and Great British Bake Off star said: “I love you so much son and I’m sorry I haven’t always been there but I’ll be honest with you, the reason I was doing it was only for you.”

She added: “I’m getting emotional as I don’t normally get recognised for things like this.

“So thank you for recognising me, it means the absolute world to me.”

Kadi Wilson, from Wolverhampton, was celebrated in the outstanding senior leader category.

The co-owner of Dime Studios was recognised for being an inspiration in the community and nurturing emerging talents.

She said: “I’m so shocked but grateful as well for winning this wonderful award. I’ve never won anything before, being able to help people is reward in itself."

Paula Hemmings, from Ebony Hikers, won the health and wellbeing champion award for leading walks for people from black ethnic backgrounds.

Ms Hemmings, from Sandwell, said: “It means the world to us to have won the award because since 2020 Ebony Hikers have worked tirelessly to get people of black ancestry accessing the outdoors and accessing spaces where we don't typically see other people who look like us."

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