And it was a double celebration for the Hutchings family after Tim and Angela Hutchings were named Neighbours of the Year and their son Jake picked up the title of Child of the Year for the inspirational way he handled the illness and tragic death last year of his sister Izzy.
Held at Le Manoir de Rooster in Trinity – the home of potato exporter Albert Bartlett – the event was hosted by former England international footballer Graeme Le Saux and Jersey-born soprano Georgi Mottram and attended by the 39 finalists and their families.
The winner of the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year was David Bras, who leads the Jersey Youth Service’s LGBTQ+ Youth Jersey, which provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people to socialise and gain support.
He was one of four youth workers recognised at the event, with JYS Inclusion Project worker Adelina d’Orleans named Community Champion and the senior youth worker at St James’ Youth Centre, Carmel Butel, named Inspirational Leader.
Ella O’Connor, who is profoundly deaf and works to support the deaf community, was crowned Young Ambassador of the Year.
She works as an activity coach at Les Ormes and as a youth worker in St Lawrence.
JEP editor Andy Sibcy paid tribute to all the winners and finalists.
Speaking at last night’s event, he said: ‘Pride has developed from the seed of a very simple but powerful idea – that the JEP was ideally placed to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Islanders who go that extra mile, and often may more, to help others and to bring people together.
‘I am pleased to say that five years in, Pride is going from strength to strength. This year we received 234 nominations across the 13 categories for 151 nominees. A total of 27,397 votes were cast.’
Addressing the finalists, he added: ‘Once again, it has been humbling and moving to read your stories, the reasons why you here tonight. So many of you have turned personal challenge and tragedy into a force for good and all of you embody the community spirit which sets Jersey apart.’
Mr Sibcy also thanked the event’s many supporters and sponsors.
A supplement featuring all the winners will be included in next Wednesday’s JEP.
THE WINNERS
Ambassador of the Year: Christine and Didier Hellio
Angel of the Year: Laura Douglas
Child of the Year: Jake Hutchings
Community Champion of the Year: Adelina D’Orleans
Customer Service Employee of the Year: La Collette Green Waste and Recycling Team
Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year: David Bras
Environmentalist(s) of the Year: Scoop
Grandparent(s) of the Year: Terry Nicholson
Inspirational Leader of the Year: Carmel Butel
Neighbour of the Year: Tim and Angela Hutchings
Teacher of the Year: Mark Logue
Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year: Michel Feger
Young Ambassador of the Year: Ella O’Connor
