Erewash Borough Council Celebrates Local Health and Fitness Champions
Erewash Borough Council has honoured a remarkable group of local residents whose dedication to promoting health and fitness has inspired their communities. The annual Active Lives in Erewash Awards ceremony, held at Ilkeston Town Football Club, recognised individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to community wellbeing.
Special Recognition for Community Champions
Among the standout winners was Susie Lambert, who received special recognition for her tireless community work despite facing significant personal challenges. Following a life-changing brain injury, Susie transformed her experience into a force for good by establishing support groups for residents with long-term illnesses.
Her commitment extends far beyond initial expectations, with Susie actively organising multiple walking groups across the borough, including Walks4Wellbeing in Draycott and initiatives in Cotmanhay. She has also delivered important antisocial and disability awareness workshops for young people, demonstrating her comprehensive approach to community support.
Mayor Councillor Harry Atkinson presented Susie with her award, with nominators praising her exceptional standards and approachable nature. One supporter noted: "Susie consistently does more than what is expected of her and to such high standards. She has a wonderful way of engaging people in calm conversations, pointing them towards suitable walks for their needs."
Susie's dedication continues to grow, with her recently qualifying as a Nordic walking instructor and now leading two weekly classes alongside her existing volunteer commitments.
Sharing the Spotlight with Educational Excellence
Susie shared the Special Recognition Award with Lucy Haywood, whose three-decade commitment to health promotion in schools has made a lasting impact. Working at Dallimore primary and nursery in Kirk Hallam, Lucy has delivered physical education lessons to children aged three to eleven with what colleagues describe as "enthusiasm and energy."
Beyond her professional role, Lucy has demonstrated remarkable personal commitment to charitable causes, fundraising for organisations including Treetops hospice, Ben's Den and Children in Need, and completing the London Marathon. A nomination supporter stated: "Lucy is our role model for staying fit, fostering connections and embracing kindness."
Diverse Range of Community Achievements Recognised
The 2026 awards, once again sponsored by Legacy Leisure, celebrated achievements across multiple categories, reflecting the breadth of health and fitness initiatives across Erewash.
Notable winners included:
- Clare McGinnis, who received the Active Leader Award for her work as director of girls rugby at Long Eaton Rugby Club
- Seventeen-year-old Molly Geary, winner of the Active Young Person's Award, who volunteers as a tennis coach while managing two autoimmune diseases diagnosed in childhood
- Warren Baker, recipient of the Legacy Leisure Active Participant Award, who has regained leg movement through dedicated gym work after being diagnosed with a rare muscle-wasting disease
- Mark King, who won the All Move in Erewash Award after transforming from mobility scooter user to half-marathon runner within eleven months
Community Groups Making a Difference
The awards also celebrated collective efforts, with Maggie's Meet Up winning the Active Group Award for their free monthly walking group in Kirk Hallam. The Active Project Award went to It's Good to Walk, It's Good to Talk, an Ilkeston Town FC initiative that has attracted over fifty participants.
Louise Sumner from The Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust praised the football club's commitment, saying: "Ilkeston Town Football Club are committed to supporting the local community to have opportunities to be active. Everyone I have met at the club have been extremely warm and welcoming."
Council Commitment to Community Wellbeing
Councillor Josy Hare, the borough's Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, paid tribute to all nominees and praised the council's Community Health and Wellbeing Development Team for organising the event. She emphasised their ongoing work to help residents improve their health and increase physical activity levels through various projects.
Cllr Hare stated: "They work tirelessly to help residents improve their health and wellbeing and increase levels of physical activity through various projects. Their aim is simple – to make Erewash a healthier, happier place to live."
The awards ceremony highlighted how individual dedication and community collaboration are creating meaningful health improvements across Erewash, with winners serving as inspirational examples of how personal challenges can transform into opportunities to support others.
