21 Community Champions Celebrated at H&F Civic Awards
Credited with making the borough stronger, safer and kinder
Playgrounds campaigner Clementine Wallop receives her award from the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, Cllr Sharon Holder. Picture: H&F Council
February 23, 2026
Twenty-one remarkable residents and organisations have been recognised at this year’s Civic Honours awards for their efforts to make London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham a stronger, safer and kinder place to live.
The celebration evening brought together winners with their friends, family and neighbours at Hammersmith Town Hall, shining a spotlight on the volunteers, campaigners, youth leaders and community groups whose quiet dedication underpins life across the borough.
More than 100 nominations were received this year, reflecting the depth of community spirit in H&F.
Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of H&F, who presented the awards alongside Samuel Lewis from the council’s Resident Engagement team, described the ceremony as one of his favourite nights of the year.
“Our Civic Honours shines a light on the quiet, consistent acts of service that keep our communities strong – neighbours supporting neighbours, volunteers giving their time, professionals who go that little bit further without ever seeking recognition,” he said. “Life here in H&F is better because of you, and these awards are our – and our residents’ – way of saying thank you.”
Among those honoured was longtime resident and mother of two Clementine Wallop, recognised for her advocacy to improve playgrounds across the borough. Working closely with the council and London Play, she has championed better play provision for families and welcomed the council’s £8.3million investment in upgrading 95 playgrounds.
“Playgrounds sit at the centre of happy family life,” she said. “If we give children proper play provision, there’s physical development, imaginative play and problem solving. It’s good for families, communities and even local business.”
Emma Porter was celebrated for a lifetime of volunteering, including roles as a governor at Fulham Cross Academy Trust, Brownie Leader at St Clements Church for 17 years, helping to re-open the 10th Fulham Scouts and running Mums ’n’ Tots at Twynholm Church.
Sergio Daniel da Cruz Serra received recognition for five years of volunteering with Hestia, delivering mental health sessions alongside his full-time job and family life.
Youth Councillor and Member of Youth Parliament Ealaf Al-Najar was praised for championing young people’s voices locally and nationally, from organising Youth Achievement Awards to directing films showcasing the Youth Council’s work.
“I saw the lack of representation for young girls like me and wanted to change those spaces,” she said. “I want to pave the way for other young girls to do the same.”
Environmental campaigner Gautier Houel was recognised for launching The Green Londoner and raising more than £27,000 for the borough’s first Green Action Hub, as well as supporting sustainable enterprises through the Climate Connects alliance.
L-R: Ealaf Al-Najar, Gautier, Megumi Rolfe, Stephen Lavery and Steve Howard
Violinist Megumi Rolfe combined music with fundraising, organising classical concerts to raise money for SEND provision in local schools and hosting “Tea for Carers” sessions to connect families.
Volunteer Nature Champion Stephen Lavery was celebrated for boosting biodiversity, expanding wildflower meadows, removing invasive species and installing bird boxes across the borough.
Steve Howard, warehouse coordinator at Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, was honoured for nine years ensuring food reaches those in need. Working with around 35 volunteers each week – and more than 100 overall – he described the award as “a real surprise” and paid tribute to his team.
Community groups were also recognised for their collective impact. Volunteers at Fulham Broadway Methodist Church’s Heartbeat Café were honoured for tackling loneliness and helping residents during the Stoll Foundation’s move to new housing.
Managing Our Mental (MOM) C.I.C, led by mother-and-son duo Alison and Chris, was celebrated for grassroots mental health support focused on early intervention and emotional resilience.
Nourish Hub received an award for reducing food waste and food insecurity through affordable meals, training and inclusive activities. Co-manager Jason Lowe said the honour reflected the dedication of volunteers and customers alike.
Nick Sazeides, manager of The Sulgrave Club in Shepherd’s Bush, was honoured for more than 21 years supporting young people aged eight to 19, providing a safe space and positive role model for generations of local children.
Shepherd's Bush arts space The Gate was recognised for supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs through creative expression, exhibitions, live music and radio projects.
The Fix Uxbridge Road Committee was honoured for campaigning to improve accessibility and safety along Uxbridge Road, with backing from the RNIB to declutter pavements and support visually impaired residents.
Three individuals received Lifetime Achievement awards for decades of service.
Mohamoud Farah was recognised for founding the Somali Caring and Education Association, supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in H&F and establishing a free weekend tuition centre for children.
Wendy Aldridge, who joined Sulivan Primary School in 1977 and retired 38 years later as headteacher, was honoured for her leadership and for spearheading the successful “Save Our Sulivan” campaign in 2013.
Dame Sarah Anderson DBE was posthumously recognised for founding The Listening Place, transforming suicide prevention support in London through non-clinical, face-to-face services built on empathy and confidentiality. Shortly before her passing, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire by His Majesty The King in recognition of her extraordinary contribution.
Florrie Mahon was honoured for her tireless work as Chair of the Woodmans Mews Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and for her leadership following the major fire at St Quintin View in June 2025, when she helped establish a rest centre within 30 minutes of the blaze being extinguished.
Fourteen-year-old Raphael Chiwandire received special recognition for raising £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust through gruelling sports challenges, including 3,000 push-ups in a month, and for supporting his autistic younger brother and mother. In 2025 he also won the BBC Make a Difference Young Hero Award.
Raphael Chiwandire with Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of H&F, and his family
Brigid Dolphin was commended for saving a customer’s life after administering CPR and using a defibrillator following a cardiac arrest outside her workplace just before Christmas.
Mobisher Ali was recognised for eight years volunteering as transport lead for H&F’s Big Christmas Day Lunch, coordinating more than 20 buses and 40 volunteers and transporting over 250 residents to the event in 2025 alone.
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