Edinburgh Local Hero Awards: Winners are announced

The winners of the Edinburgh Local Hero Awards have been announced at the event’s first ever virtual ceremony.

Congratulations to all our winners.

In a year which has been tough for everyone, the people of Edinburgh have pulled together like never before to help and support each other.

Even more so than in most years the Evening News wanted to recognise the vital contribution made to these pillars of the community.

From 32 finalists the winners were chosen by judges Greg Dolan of Farmer Autocare, Gaynor Marshall of Lothian, Allison Barr of Team Jak, and Rebecca Thompson of the Edinburgh Evening News.

We would also like to thank headline sponsor Farmer Autocare, and Forth One’s Arlene Stuart, who hosted the event.

The first award to be announced was that of Junior Local Hero, sponsored by Farmer Autocare. There were three nominations for this award, and in a rare move all three were declared joint winners: Archie Galloway, Max Gare and Emily Bain.

Emily swam 21 miles – the equivalent of crossing the English Channel – in her family’s outdoor pool to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). She has now raised £2,000 for BHF’s research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Archie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and is now fronting a campaign for Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People and TK Maxx Give Up Clothes for Good.

Max is currently undergoing intensive physiotherapy at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids hospital to learn to walk again, after he took a tumble while cycling and hit a metal pole, causing a fractured skull, a broken neck and bleeding and swelling of the brain.

Next, the Bravery Award, sponsored by the Dog Aid Society, was given to Cameron Clough, who helped rescue someone trapped in a house which was on fire.

The Carer of the Year award went to Alison Morrison, who has been caring for people close to her with dementia and Cerebral Palsy for the past five years.

Peter Hay was named Community Chamption.

Trudie Murphy, who has launched a fundraiser to help cover the cost of treatment for her inoperable cancerous brain tumour, won fundraiser of the Year.

Health Champion was named as Lewis McLachlan of Empty Kitchens Full Hearts .

The Inspirational Young Adult Award, sponsored by Amazon, went to Tobe Amamize, who has been working to break down barriers for BAME people.

Neighbour of the Year went to Hannah Daly.

The Sporting Hero award, sponsored by Capital Cars, was given to Kori Fital, karate champion.

Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Forth One, went to Tina Misselbrook, of Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School.

Richard Roncero, who founded Steps to Hope, was named as Volunteer of the Year.

And finally, the highlight of the night, the Local Hero Award was given to the person who stood out most for the judges amongst all the other nominees: Lewis McLachlan.

Lewis McLachlin, who went back to university last year to get a masters in Gastronomy at Queen Margaret University, put this on hold to set up Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts.

The organisation distributes food to people who need it all over Edinburgh, providing 150,000 meals to date – no questions asked.

Congratulations to all our inspiring winners.

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