Page 9 - link magazine

Past finalists of 2015 Pride of Swindon Awards

show the town’s real heart

They are the selfless people of Swindon. The groups and individuals who work constantly to help others,
often with no real recognition. The Pride of Swindon awards redresses that and lets these generous people
know that their hard work is genuinely appreciated.

Elena Rossi is a tireless volunteer, to both mother and baby as
who for eight years has given it reduces rates of breast and
support to Swindon’s mothers ovarian cancer in mums and for
who are experiencing challenges the baby it provides protection
with breastfeeding. from gastroenteritis, lung and
This has made a difference ear infections. Swindon has
to mothers and their babies. been successful in increasing
Mums say it helps them to breastfeeding rates in babies at
feel more confident in feeding. 6-8 weeks to 50.2% in April-
2015 finalist Elena Rossi with Good evidence shows that June 2014; Elena’s work has
Swindon Mayor Theresa Page breastfeeding has health benefits contributed to this success.

Paul Rogers, is an ex professional boxer and Silver
medallist winner at the Commonwealth Games.
He volunteers with Swindon’s only community gym
‘Scrappers Boxing Gym and Community Fitness Centre’.
The project is set up to benefit the local community
and Paul dedicates his time working with young people,
adults and people with disabilities in the Swindon
area to provide direct support for anyone that would
like to get fit or focus their time and energy into
positive activities. The gym secured £21,000 funding in
April 2013 through the Peoples Health Trust - Active 2015 finalist Paul Rogers (rt) and
Communites Progamme.
Deputy Council leader Brian Mattock
Patronella Mazhindu came to
the UK as a refugee fleeing from
Mugabe’s regime in Zimbabwe. She
spent 13 years waiting on a decision
on her asylum claim.
Patronella volunteers at the
Harbour Project, now has refugee
status and is volunteering at the
GWH. She is also a Well Being
champion with the Council. 2015 finalist Patronella Mazhindu
The Harbour Project is a charitable with MP Robert Buckland
trust dedicated to support and help
asylum seekers and refugees and of around 25 regular volunteers,
their dependants in Swindon – our and is funded principally by a grant
‘visitors’. from Swindon Borough Council, the
The Harbour Project is run by a BIG Lottery, charitable funds and
small staff with the help of a team donations.
Kerry Rutherford from
Middleleaze was nominated
for Pride of Swindon at the age
of 11. Kerry has Asperger’s but
continues to think of others
before herself. In February 2013
she had 12 inches of her hair
cut off and raised over £400
for the Little Princess Trust. A
keen swimmer she has carried 2015 finalist Kerry Rutherford
out an open water swim, a with Mayor Theresa Page
swimathon and the Big Swim
for Prospect Hospice. In August Young Sportsperson of the Year
2014 she took part in a night for being an excellent role model.
open water swim for Wiltshire In September 2014 she won EMO
Air Ambulance. In November charity champion after being
2013 she won Swindon Dolphin nominated by her head coach.
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