AN ex-alcoholic, who turned his life around and dedicated his life to helping others like him, walked off with the top prize at the Pride in our People awards 2010.
David Wright, who sunk so low his family refused to speak to him, now works for an outreach service and speaks in the community. He was near to tears after winning the community champion category and the Star of West London, a total of £1,000.
He mouthed his thanks as he was presented with his trophy and given a standing ovation at the seventh award ceremony at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Ealing Common last night.
Clutching his trophy and cheque, he said: "I can't believe it. I'm over the moon. My family will be so proud. Coming tonight and being recognised for what I do was enough. Thank you thank you."
Joe Whittaker, who works for B-Hug, a homeless and social exclusion charity, nominated David and said people were now stopping him in the street, asking for his help after reading about him in the Gazette.
He said: "David has made an outstanding contribution to the community in Ealing and encouraged others to follow his example. He doesn't think he deserves this, but it's gradually sinking in."
The awards, run by the Gazette and Thames Valley University, were presented by TV celebrity Rachel Agnew, who won the competition to star on Loose Women and was so popular she was invited back to appear again.
The winners of the four other categories, who each received £500 and a stunning glass trophy, were: Amine Elkhoury (My Hero) who risked his life to stop another man being stabbed to death, six teenagers from Youth2Youth (Young Person) which runs a unique telephone helpline for its peers, Angela Lount (Key Worker) a vocational teacher, described as an angel by her head and The Little Art Room (Business) which has brought a sense of community to Hanwell and become a hub for local families.
The finalists, their families and friends and VIPs from across West London gathered in their finery for what has become a pivotal event in the Gazette calendar. Tension mounted as the five-month campaign to find West London's unsung heroes finally came to an end.
The sterling work of each finalist was revealed on screen, in true Oscar-style, before Rachel Agnew opened the gold envelopes to reveal each winner. She said she was overwhelmed by the commitment and dedication of the finalists, who were all winners in her eyes.
Astonishment and bemusement flickered across the faces of each winner as the applause broke out, because none of them – from an ex-alcoholic to a group of teenagers who help their troubled peers – expected any reward for their efforts.
The Gazette and TVU would finally like to thank you, the readers, for giving them a chance to have their turn in the limelight.
