North Herts Heroes 2026 Honoured: Five Volunteers Celebrated for Community Impact
The selfless contributions of five exceptional local residents were celebrated in style as the 2026 North Herts Heroes were officially unveiled. Hosted by the chair of North Herts Council, Councillor Keith Hoskins, at Lucas Lane Sports Club, the evening shone a brilliant spotlight on the unsung volunteers making a tangible difference across the entire district.
Recognising Exceptional Service
Each winner received a beautifully engraved trophy, handcrafted by the ‘Letchworth Men’s Shed’, alongside a generous gift voucher to formally recognise their exceptional service to the community. Chosen by a distinguished judging panel consisting of the event’s sponsors, this year’s deserving heroes represent the very best of North Hertfordshire’s community spirit.
The 2026 North Herts Heroes
Brian Noble – Green Award (sponsored by John O’Conner): As the driving force behind ‘Blitz an Open Space’, a pioneering North Herts litter-picking initiative, Brian has fundamentally transformed the district’s environment. His infectious motivation and leadership have built a dedicated, growing volunteer network that keeps North Herts clean, green, and fiercely community-focused.
Sybil Wallace – Caring Award (sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral Services): Sybil is a selfless volunteer for multiple vital organisations across North Herts, including ‘One YMCA’, which supports local families, and ‘Best Before Café’, a dedicated food rescue organisation. She is a reliable, compassionate figure who supports a wide and diverse range of people in the local community through her unwavering work.
Maureen Horton – Dedication Award (sponsored by Veolia): For over 22 remarkable years, Maureen has been a constant source of strength and support at ‘Home-Start Hertfordshire’, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable families. Her decades of practical and emotional assistance have had a profound, long-lasting, positive impact for countless parents and children across the district.
Maria Esson – Health Award (sponsored by Altro): Maria’s deep commitment to caring for others shines brightly across both her professional work and voluntary commitments. Whether through her dedicated assistance at ‘The African Caribbean Seniors & Luncheon Club’ or in her role at ‘Everyone Active’, she applies her boundless energy and warm nature to significantly improve the wellbeing of others in the local community.
Stanley – Young Star Award (sponsored by Willmott Dixon): As a previously struggling student with ADHD, Stanley has powerfully used his personal experiences and the lessons learned from boxing to inspire young children as a sporting apprentice. His humble nature, resilience, and considerate work ethic make him a truly remarkable role model for the next generation.
Words from the Chair
Councillor Keith Hoskins, presenter of the North Herts Heroes Awards and chair of North Herts Council, said: "It’s a true honour to meet the remarkable people who make North Hertfordshire so special. A huge congratulations to all our nominees; the sheer volume of voluntary hours they have invested made the judges' decisions incredibly difficult. Our North Herts Heroes represent the very best of community spirit in our district."
A Distinguished Celebration
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished guest list, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, local Mayors, and representatives from key community partners such as ‘Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire’, ‘Settle’, and the ‘North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service (NHCVS)’. The evening was made possible through the generous support of local businesses. Lively music was provided by the band ‘Five on the Four’, while Danny Loo Photography and caterers ‘Curd & Corks’ provided their professional services to ensure the celebration was a memorable success.
The North Herts Heroes awards continue to highlight the absolutely vital role that volunteering plays in the social fabric of the district. Organisers stated: "Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening a resounding success!" Moving videos showcasing the impactful work of this year’s heroes are now available to view on the official North Herts Council YouTube channel.
