On Friday 25 October, the 2024 Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards Ceremony was held at the Ashford International Hotel. The event became a stage for extraordinary stories of resilience and commitment to mental health. Among the shining stars of the evening was Sarah Frow from the University of Kent’s Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy. We are delighted to announce that she was awarded the Fundraiser of the Year award for her incredible Pilgrims’ Way Challenge which she completed in May this year.
Sarah embarked on an incredible 155-mile run from Winchester to Canterbury over six grueling days, all while living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). Through her tireless efforts, Sarah raised a staggering £42,500 which will directly support exercise initiatives at the Parkinson’s Centre.
In addition to the Fundraiser of the Year accolade, Sarah was honoured with the Champion Award, recognising her impactful work in raising awareness about YOPD and the therapeutic benefits of exercise. Her journey inspires not only those living with Parkinson’s but anyone facing challenges in their lives. Sarah’s story shows that with dedication and passion, significant barriers can be overcome.
The Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards were a celebration of the incredible individuals and organisations dedicated to improving mental health across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley. The event highlighted the outstanding contributions of 50 winners and 20 champions from a record-breaking pool of over 350 nominations. Each nominee was evaluated by an independent panel of 12 judges, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals were recognised.
Hosted by Nicola Everett from kmfm and Simon Dolby from Mind in Bexley and East Kent, the evening featured a VIP speech from Hari Budha Magar, a champion for disability and veterans’ rights. Keynote addresses by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, and Paul Bartlett emphasised the importance of community support and innovation in mental health initiatives.
On behalf of the University of Kent and all the team at the Parkinson’s Centre, we would like to congratulate Sarah on these awards and all those whose achievements were also celebrated on the evening.
Sadly Sarah was unable to attend on the evening so Anna Pollard, Philanthropy Manager, was honoured to accept the awards on her behalf.
Top image: Anna receiving the Champion Award from Jack Packman (the Mayor of Margate), Lady Colgrain (Lord-Lieutenant of Kent) and Hari Budha Magar.
Below: Anna receiving Sarah’s Fundraiser of the Year Award from Munya Badze (Kent Community Foundation) and Kirsty Cribbens (St James’ Place).
