A FATHER who was killed last summer alongside his young son in an alleged hit-and-run has been posthumously honoured with a lifetime achievement award for helping to make employment and training accessible to people with disabilities.
Dean Lowe, who worked for the Jersey Employment Trust, was described as “passionate about diversity and inclusion” during the Difera Awards, hosted by equality and diversity charity Liberate.
The 48-year-old died after he and his 11-year-old son, Charlie, were hit by a vehicle in Grouville last summer.
Last month, Dylan John Pounds (29) was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as failing to stop and report an accident, holding a mobile phone and drugs offences.
Kay Lowe, Dean’s mother, attended the ceremony at the Jersey Arts Centre to receive her son’s award.
Vic Tanner Davy, Liberate’s chief executive, said the award was “very special this year”.
He said: “We worked with Dean on a number of occasions, so we knew how passionate he was about diversity and inclusion generally, but also for his clients at JET.
“We were very pleased to welcome Kay, Dean’s mum, and his family, friends and colleagues to join us, and that Kay felt she could share a little about Dean’s accepting and generous personality with the audience.”
Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College were given the Liberate Special Award for their work to tackle violence against women and girls.
Mr Tanner Davy added said: “The way the two schools have approached the problem, and in just two years turned the relationship between the boys and girls around is an example of what can be done with determination and strong leadership.
“If the Island as a whole followed their example and concentrated for two years on addressing the systemic changes recommended by the Violence Against Women and Girls Report, imagine what we could achieve.”
Les Landes School’s Year 4 group were named Junior Heroes of 2023 for their efforts learning both Makaton, a disability-friendly symbol-based language, and British Sign Language, and forming a Signing Choir.
Anagen Hair, a hairdresser specialising in black people’s hair, was recognised for becoming a community hub supporting Islanders through immigration, discrimination, and more.
Difera Award winners
RBC Junior Hero(es) of 2023: Les Landes School Year 4
Company of 2023: ITV Channel
Government Initiative of 2023: Mental Health CoProduction Network
Butterfield Charity of 2023: Citizens Advice Jersey
Community Group of 2023: Anagen Hair
Walkers Global Ally of 2023: Advocate Barbara Corbett
Standard Bank Leader of 2023: Kate Wright
BCR Law Inspirational Person of 2023: Nicholas Ozouf
Liberate Special Award: Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College
Liberate Lifetime Achievement Award: Dean Lowe
