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A message from North Herts District Council...
The selfless contributions of five local residents were celebrated on Thursday 19 March, as the 2026 North Herts Heroes were officially revealed. Hosted by the Chair of North Herts Council, Cllr Keith Hoskins, at Lucas Lane Sports Club, the evening shone a spotlight on the unsung volunteers making a difference across the district.
Each winner received an engraved trophy - handcrafted by ‘Letchworth Men’s Shed’ - alongside a gift voucher to recognise their exceptional service. Chosen by a judging panel consisting of the event’s sponsors, this year’s deserving heroes are:
- Brian Noble – Green Award (sponsored by John O’Conner)
As the driving force behind ‘Blitz an Open Space’, a North Herts litter-picking initiative, Brian has transformed the district’s environment. His infectious motivation has built a dedicated volunteer network that keeps North Herts clean, green, and community focused.
- Sybil Wallace – Caring Award (sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral Services)
Sybil is a selfless volunteer for multiple organisations across North Herts, including the ‘One YMCA’ – who support local families, and ‘Best Before Café’ – a food rescue organisation. She is a reliable figure who supports a wide range of people in the local community with her compassionate work.
- Maureen Horton – Dedication Award (sponsored by Veolia)
For over 22 years, Maureen has been a constant source of strength at ‘Home-Start Hertfordshire’ – an organisation that supports vulnerable families. Her decades of practical and emotional support have had a long-lasting, positive impact for parents and children across the district.
- Maria Esson – Health Award (sponsored by Altro)
Maria’s commitment to caring for others shines across both her work and voluntary commitments. Whether it’s through her assistance at the ‘The African Caribbean Seniors & Luncheon Club’ or in her work at ‘Everyone Active’, she applies her energetic nature to help 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 used his personal experience and lessons learned from boxing to inspire young children as a sporting apprentice. His humble nature and considerate work make him a remarkable role model for the next generation.
Cllr 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."
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. Music was provided by the band Five on the Four, while Danny Loo Photography and caterers Curd & Corks provided their professional services to support the celebration.
The North Herts Heroes awards continue to highlight the vital role that volunteering plays in the district. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening a success!
Moving videos showcasing the work of this year’s heroes are now available to view on the North Herts Council YouTube channel.
