LOCAL HEROES: Sussex's Unsung Heroes Honoured at More Radio Awards Breakfast

Some of Sussex's most inspiring individuals were honoured this morning (Friday, July 31st) at the More Radio Local Heroes Awards Breakfast, celebrating extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in their communities.

Interviewed live by More Radio Breakfast presenters Tom and Jack the Lad, the event provided an opportunity for listeners and guests to hear first-hand the remarkable stories behind the awards and the incredible impact each winner has had across Sussex.

One of this year’s winners is Chloe Paine, a dedicated volunteer with Hastings RNLI. Having joined the lifesaving organisation at just 18 years old, Chloe has spent more than a decade serving her community through a variety of operational roles, including Shore Crew, Inshore Lifeboat Crew, Head Launcher and Lifeboat Trainer Assessor. Despite recently becoming a mother, Chloe continues to volunteer her time, helping to train the next generation of RNLI volunteers while remaining committed to keeping people safe along the Sussex coast.

Also honoured was Barby Keel, founder of the renowned Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary in Bexhill. For more than 50 years, Barby has devoted her life to rescuing and caring for animals in need. Since establishing the sanctuary in 1979, she has helped provide a second chance to more than 10,000 abused, abandoned and unwanted animals. Now in her 90s, Barby remains actively involved in the sanctuary's work and continues to inspire animal lovers across the region with her compassion and determination.

The third winner celebrated was Fiona O'Leary, affectionately known as the "Cushion Queen". Since retiring in 2018, Fiona has handmade more than 2,600 heart-shaped post-operative cushions for women recovering from breast cancer surgery across the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Her thoughtful creations provide comfort and support during recovery, and her selfless work has touched thousands of lives throughout Sussex and beyond.

The awards breakfast highlighted the power of kindness, volunteering and community spirit, with each winner sharing personal stories of the work they do and the motivation behind it. Guests were left inspired by the dedication, resilience and generosity demonstrated by all three recipients.

Speaking during the event, presenters Tom and Jack the Lad praised the winners for their outstanding contributions and thanked them for the difference they continue to make across Sussex every day.

The More Radio Local Heroes Awards celebrate individuals whose actions often go unnoticed but whose impact is felt throughout their communities. This year's winners are shining examples of the compassion, commitment and community spirit that make Sussex such a special place to live.