This year was the fifth year of having these awards and it was our pleasure to gather virtually for an Awards Ceremony last week, with the Demain family and our finalists, to announce the Winners and those Highly Commended.
So, without further a-do…
The Under 16s category was won by Quinn Whamond (aged 10), Daniel Greenwood (aged 13) and Bertie Steptoe (aged 6) being Highly Commended. The Overs category was won by Emily Ellerby-Hunt (aged 20), Jack Angell (aged 18) and Helena Wakefield (aged 25) being Highly Commended.
Finally, our Lifetime Awareness Awards were won by Mark & Roo of 'Hometown Barbers' (both aged 29) and JJ Smith (aged 11).
Congratulations to all those nominated and especially our finalists, we could not be prouder!
Quinn has been poorly with his Crohn's for the last 3 years and has shown incredible courage and strength to keep positive. He is always thinking of others and how he can help. He decided to raise money by doing a virtual game of "hot potato" with his friends and family, his school really got behind him and it was an incredible success raising £1,820. Check out the video, here.
Emily is part of this year's London Marathon team and has raised almost £2,500 so far. She held 'Purple t-shirt weekends' at the two Caffe Nero's she works for, sparking conversations with customers and fundraised with our collection tin. She held a successful quiz evening and raffle too and has grown in confidence to speak about her Colitis which is just amazing.
JJ started a vlog on his Facebook to raise awareness of these conditions and recently reviewed our 'Crohn's and Colitis Cat' children's book. He is a serial fundraiser too; from stalls at local fetes to sponsored 'spar-athons' between martial arts clubs, and from dressing up as a poo to a local carnival to getting involved in 'Go Purple.' He's an absolute inspiration.
Mark & Roo own a barbershop in Aberdeen called 'Hometown Barbers' and were inspired to apply for London Marathon places by their client Paul who has Crohn's and is an avid runner. They were successful in securing their place and immediately took to social media to raise awareness and funds. They have raised over £6,000, over half of which was raised during a "24-hour Cutathon" where they cut hair for 24 hours straight - incredible stuff.
For more information on all of our wonderful finalists and their fantastic accomplishments, check out our recent Facebook Post and keep an eye out on our Twitter too.