Latest news with #UnsungHeroesAward
IOL News
17-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Premilla Deonath honoured with Unsung Heroes Award for community service
From left: Unsung Heroes Award recipient, Premilla Deonath, Patricia Michael who nominated Deonath, founder of the wards and chairperson Fawzia Peer and awards chairperson and editor Dr Kogielam Archary. Image: Supplied The relentless effort of a Merebank social activist, Premilla Deonath to uplift her community through social programmes has finally paid dividends after being conferred with Unsung Heroes Award. Founded by the former eThekwini deputy mayor Fawzia Peer three years ago, the awards shine a light on those remarkable individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift their communities. These are the people who offer their time, energy, and hearts without expecting praise, driven purely by compassion, integrity, and a desire to help others. This award celebrates the quiet champions of kindness and service, whose everyday actions spark real change and leave a lasting impact, often without fanfare or spotlight. Speaking after receiving the award, Deonath said she was genuinely humbled to receive the Unsung Heroes Award and never expected. She said she never expected anything for helping her community, which she did out of passion and a sense of responsibility to the people around her. 'Standing there, receiving the medal, seeing the beautiful frame and reading my name in the Unsung Heroes book, I felt an unexpected wave of emotion. Partly joy, but mostly gratitude. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "I was both honoured and deeply humbled to receive the Unsung Heroes Award. It's not something I ever expected, because the work I do is simply part of who I am. Done quietly, without seeking recognition. Receiving the medal, the certificate, and being included in the Unsung Heroes book was incredibly moving, but what touched me most was being recognized alongside so many others who give of themselves every day without asking for anything in return,' said Deonath. She further stated that her recognition belongs to everyone who walks the path of service. Those who show up without applause, who give their time and heart simply because they care. 'I'm thankful beyond words to those who saw value in what I do and took the time to nominate me. This moment will stay with me always, not because of the award itself, but because it affirmed that quiet efforts do matter,' concludes Deonath. Merebank is a predominantly Indian community, less than five kilometres from central Durban towards the south of the City. Deonath has been a voice and a torchbearer for the community. Through her Merewest Community Foundation which she founded with other local community activists she has organised various social projects which were beneficial to her community.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Kirkcudbright Scout undergoing brain tumour treatment receives Unsung Hero Award
Hazel Dempster was one of just 20 young Scots from across the UK chosen to receive the accolade from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields. A Kirkcudbright Scout who is being treated for a brain tumour has received one of the movement's top awards. Hazel Dempster was chosen to receive an Unsung Hero Award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at the organisation's home in London's Gilwell Park. She was one of just 20 young Scouts chosen out of 475,000 Scouts from across the UK to receive the award, which recognises acts of outstanding bravery and selflessness. She said: 'I'm surprised and proud at receiving Dwayne's heroes award. It was great to meet him and talk with him.' The citation for Hazel's nomination read: 'Hazel is an amazing young person, a fantastic young leader who takes time to engage the quieter Scouts and includes everybody helping them to do their best. 'Hazel has been receiving treatment in recent years for a brain tumour, going through chemotherapy and now a newer form of treatment, but through this, she continues to carry on with Scouts and making a difference to other young people. She doesn't let her treatment stop her. 'She enjoys helping out, comes up with creative ways to help make Scouting as enjoyable as possible for the Scouts whilst also gaining leadership and teamwork skills. 'She also regularly takes it upon herself to fundraise for the Kirkcudbright Scout group, baking to raise donations, taking part in larger bake sales as well as helping at fundraising stalls.' The Unsung Heroes Award is a coveted personal achievement which recognises the amazing skills and endeavours of young people across the Scouts community – from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and people in the Scout Network. The winners were nominated by Scout volunteers for their outstanding bravery and leadership in the community, showing skills and qualities which are learned by being part of the Scouts and subsequently taken through life. Winners were chosen by an experienced panel of Scout Ambassadors led by the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. He said: 'A huge congratulations to the winners of this remarkable award for acts of courage and selflessness in the community. Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values. 'I want to thank you for your dedication and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement.'
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Rhuddlan child wins Unsung Heroes Award from Scouts UK
Charlotte 'Lottie' Dawson was awarded the Unsung Heroes Award by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at a ceremony on May 9. The award is given to those who have shown outstanding bravery and selflessness in their community. Lottie, who joined the Squirrel Scouts at the age of five, was recognised for her determination and resilience in the face of a medical condition. She had a developmental displacement of her hip, which required surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Following the surgery, Lottie had to wear a full body cast and underwent a long period of care and physiotherapy to enable her to walk again. Despite this, she has not let her medical condition hold her back. Donna, Squirrel Scout lead at 1st Rhuddlan, said: "Lottie shows incredible resilience and determination, never letting her medical condition hold her back. "As a Squirrel Drey we are immensely proud of her." Lottie is always eager to help new Squirrel Scouts settle into the Drey and participates in every outdoor activity. She has also been selected to carry the Squirrel flag on important occasions, including the Remembrance Service. Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: "A huge congratulations to the winners of this remarkable award for acts of courage and selflessness in the community. "Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values. "I want to thank you for your dedication and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement." READ MORE: Abergele school celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Lottie, who has now moved to the Beaver Scouts, continues to embrace everything she wants to do, despite some movement being difficult. Her mother, Katie, said: "I am so proud of Lottie and what she is achieving. "She loves Squirrels and wants to go all the way through the movement. "I hope she inspires others to get involved and find their place. "A special credit should go to her Squirrel Leaders (Donna and Chris) who took her under their wings, ensured she felt so welcomed, and whatever the ability of the child everyone is included." The Unsung Heroes Award ceremony took place at the Scouts' home, Gilwell Park, celebrating some of the most courageous young people from across the country. Friends, families and fellow Scouts came together to watch proudly as the young people received the newest Scout award and reflected on their remarkable achievement.
