AN EVENT to comment local heroes was held at Webbs for a special opening of the garden centre’s festive light trail.
Over twenty heroes were selected to enjoy a VIP night for the launch of The Enchanted Gardens – Neverland alongside their families, hosted by owner Ed Webb and radio broadcaster Helen Kennedy.
The heroes enjoyed festive treats such as bratwurst and hot chocolate after embarking on the journey through the Enchanted Gardens, which this year, are inspired by the tale of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) who own the rights.
Starting in Wendy, Michael and John’s Christmassy nursery in London, the trail meanders through Mermaid’s Lagoon, Pirate’s Cove and past Tiger Lily and the lost children’s camps in the woods before finishing at the usual seasonal stop at Santa’s cosy snow-covered cabin.
Several spot prizes were awarded during the evening with the main prize of the night being given posthumously to Simon Rikunenko who died at the end of October.
Nominated by one of his five children Chloe Rikunenko, as well as his wife Amy, Simon managed to raise £12,000 for Balls to Cancer in the few months that he lived after diagnosis with stage 4 sarcoma.
Simon’s wife Amy said: “Simon could have focused solely on his five children after the devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer.
“Instead, he used the little time he had left to raise money to help others suffering with this dreadful disease.
“He missed collecting his award by just a few weeks, but the children and I were honoured to collect it on his behalf. He is our hero angel, and we will love him for eternity.”
Also honoured in 2nd place, was 7-year-old Sophia Marshall who lives with many life-limiting conditions and delighted everyone with her chatty nature.
Julie Harbin and her family won the prize for most festive-family – Julie was nominated for her wonderful garden that she decorates all year round to keep community spirits up.
She achieved this whilst also caring for her husband over the past decade as he battled prostate cancer.
Amongst the other nominees who attended with their families were several hard-working nurses from the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit who were honoured for their unwavering support of parents facing early pregnancy loss.
The shortlist also included many local fundraisers including Dexter Roberts (aged 10) who walked 12,000 steps every day in September to raise money for Midlands Air ambulance.
Chloe Witts was also invited along for her excellent campaign work for positive acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity.
Ed Webb, owner of Webbs Garden Centres, said: “The past year has been yet another challenging one for so many, and yet there are always individuals that go above and beyond to help others.
“We wanted to celebrate these wonderful people and give them the recognition they deserve.
“It’s become a tradition at Webbs to open the festive season with our Local Heroes event. It was a great night and as always it was our pleasure to give something back to the local community as we mark the start of the Christmas countdown.”
