2008/09 winners

The winners of the 2008/09 Neighbourhood Leadership Awards were:

Category: Changing the community for the better

• Winner - Elizabeth Virgo
• Commended - Noreen O'Neill
• Commended - Jeanette Buckley

Category: Changing the lives of children and young people

• Winner - Isola Akay
• Commended - Kevin Burke
• Commended - Ann Taylor

Category: Changing the lives of older people

• Winner - Ivy Billard
• Commended - Dolly Cuthbert
• Commended - Jan Prebble

Elizabeth Virgo has been devoted to improving her neighbourhood’s quality of life for many years through numerous selfless community roles, including her function as chair of the Little Venice police ward panel – a local forum to focus police action. On receiving the award, she said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed. I really didn’t expect this award and I am sure that there were many other people who deserved it."

Her nominator, Ian Russell, said: “She is exactly the kind of person that makes an ideal community leader - solving public problems for the benefit of the whole community.”

Isola Akay, at the age of 73 years old, has spent over 35 years supporting youths, giving them something to do and a place to go. He founded the All Stars Boxing Club in 1993, to help young people in his area build a sense of self-confidence through sport. "I am not a hero, I just like to help my community and hope that we will be doing it for many years to come" he said.

Anne Taylor, who nominated Isola, emphasised his dedication: “He is at the club seven days a week despite receiving no financial reward.”

Ivy Billard has been actively involved in a wide range of voluntary projects and regularly attends many community meetings, including the Ward Panel and the Pensioners' Forum. At 84 years of age, she has helped to improve the lives of many in her community. “This award is for the whole community in Queen’s Park and Westminster Senior Citizens Forum”, she said at the ceremony.

Her nominator, Phyllis Earl, said: “Ivy was instrumental in seeking out funding in Queens Park ward for a complementary therapies project. Ivy exemplifies a true unsung hero, and should be recognised for her hard work behind the scenes.”