Pavers announces finalists for Community Champion Awards

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Pavers is thrilled to announce the ten finalists for the inaugural Pavers Community Champions Awards.

The finalists were selected from a pool of inspiring women nominated by the public at Pavers stores across the UK and Ireland. Customers were invited to share their stories and nominate women who have made a meaningful difference in their communities, whether through their professional work, volunteer efforts, or local activism. The selection of these ten finalists highlights the incredible impact that women are having in communities nationwide.

Debbie Paver, Trustee of the Pavers Foundation, said: “We’ve been so inspired by every single woman nominated for the Pavers Community Champions Awards. Each of these ten finalists has done amazing work in their communities, whether it’s through fundraising or going the extra mile to help those in need. We're honoured to celebrate with them on International Women’s Day.”

The finalists will be invited to a celebratory event on International Women’s Day, 8^th March, where the Pavers Community Champion of the Year will be announced. This year’s winner will receive the prestigious title, along with a year’s supply of Pavers shoes.

The finalists are:

• Anne McDonald, Polmont

Anne was nominated in Pavers’ Polmont store for her incredible work at Meadowbank Car 4U, co-ordinating patient transport for cancer treatments. Anne was nominated by a patient who praised the service as excellent with no stress, adding that they were very grateful for Anne’s assistance.

• Jenny Tinson, Bordon

Jenny was nominated in Pavers’ Bordon store for her work as a social prescriber. Jenny’s nominator had stayed indoors for years and says she would have never left her flat without Jenny’s help, introducing her to several clubs and giving her the confidence to meet new people.

• Julie Brady, Atherstone

Julie was nominated by her daughter in Pavers’ Atherstone store. Julie has been the writer, director and producer of the Merry Midwives in Nuneaton for 30 years, raising over £110,000 for local hospices and charities in Nuneaton & Warwickshire. Julie was also a nurse and midwife for over 40 years, coming out of retirement during COVID to help with vaccinations. 

• Lisa Pallister, West Bromwich

Lisa was nominated at Pavers’ West Bromwich store by her colleague. Lisa works at a special needs school where she provides nurture care for their more vulnerable students. Lisa puts her ‘heart and soul’ into the job, providing a safe space for students where they feel valued.

• Lynda Corser, Skipton

Lynda was nominated at Pavers’ Skipton store for her fundraising initiatives, including organising charity coffee mornings for Martin House Childrens Hospice. Lynda is also very active her in her local church where she organises the monthly pensioners lunch club, as well as an annual ‘holidays at home’ event for the socially isolated.

• Rachael Scott-Hunter, Bicester

Rachael was nominated at Pavers’ Bicester store for her dedication to supporting families of individuals with profound learning difficulties. The nominator commented Rachael’s passion and advocacy have already made a lasting impact on the community, raising awareness of gaps in care while providing hope and support for those in need. Rachael was praised for her unwavering commitment to fundraising for Alexandra House, bringing them closer to their goal of creating a much-needed day-care, respite and hospice facility.

• Sophie Giraudeau, Newtownabbey

Sophie was nominated at Pavers’ Newtownabbey store and is the choir leader of Rock Choir BallyHackamore and Holywood. Sophie provides a safe space full of joy, laughter, support, friendship and music. Her students commented that Sophie has enriched all of their lives and they leave choir feeling uplifted and ready for the week ahead, whatever that may bring. “You can’t worry and sing at the same time”.

• Sue Nicholson, Chepstow

Sue was nominated at Pavers’ Chepstow store. Sue is the chair of trustees at Chepstow Mencap, providing quality care and support to those with disabilities and additional needs as well as giving families and carers respite. Sue also arranges pop-up cafes and lunches for the community, as well as gardening in and around Chepstow and hosting a weekly lunch club at her local community centre.

• Theresa Evans, Llandudno

Theresa was nominated at Pavers’ Llandudno store for her work in the community for many years. Theresa has set up hubs for people affected by flooding, formed a knitting club providing thousands of desperately needed items for those in need at home and abroad. Theresa founded ‘Operation Welly’ after the tragic death of her beloved son Llewelyn in the Iraq war, sending thousands of care packages out to troops in the field. She sadly lost her second son, Drew, in a car accident on Christmas Day in 2007. The nominator commented ‘Theresa continues to be a shining light to anyone needs help, despite the tragedies that life has bestowed on her, she is an inspiration to so many’.

• Trish Kinsella, Scarborough

Trish was nominated at Pavers’ Scarborough store for donating to the Rainbow Centre for over 30 years. The Rainbow Centre offers support to vulnerable people in the local community. Trish also supports by listening and advising people in difficult situations. The nominator commented that Trish is a wonderful person to be around and always has time for people.

Pavers congratulates each finalist for their outstanding contributions to their communities and thanks everyone who submitted a nomination. We look forward to celebrating these inspiring women at the upcoming awards event and continuing our commitment to supporting women who make a difference.