COMMUNITY AWARDS: Why '˜inspiring' headteacher won judges support

West Sussex County Times Community Awards 2015. Special Recognition award winner Alyson Heath with NeilÂ MooreÂ andÂ TimÂ Cattini onÂ behalfÂ ofÂ sponsors GuyÂ LeonardÂ - picture by Josh Smith for SMedia Group SUS-151117-162846001

One of the coveted trophies is the Special Recognition Award, which last year went to retiring headteacher of St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Pulborough, Alyson Heath.

She stepped down last summer after a career of dedicating her life to teaching children. Her final time in teaching was 13 years leading the team as as headteacher of St Mary’s.

As Alyson’s name was announced as the winner at the glitzy awards ceremony at The Capitol theatre in Horsham, the audience heard why she was nominated.

West Sussex County Times Community Awards 2015. Retiring headteacher of St Mary's CofE Primary School, Pulborough, Alyson Heath receives the Special Recognition Award - picture by Josh Smith for SMedia Group SUS-151117-162858001

Bridget Cordy, who put her forward for the award, wrote in her nomiation: “You never walk away from Alyson without feeling inspired and supported.

“She is passionate about inclusivity and is a trustee to more than five charities including Ingfield Manor and set up Just Enough UK which is now the biggest anti-slavery children’s charity in the UK.”

Alyson also has a keen interest in supporting vulnerable children and adults and has spent countless hours encouraging and never giving up on any individual child.

There are 16 categories in which to nominate those people you feel need public

They include Best Neighbour, Volunteer of the Year, Charity of the Year and Health Worker Award.

To put them forward for the judges to consider fill out the online nomination form at goo.gl/forms/LQJt70qnm0