Four local community champions attend the Met Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

On Wednesday 13 December four members of the local community were chosen by Havering Police to attend their annual Christmas choir concert at Westminster Abbey. The four local representatives were Sue Hedges, Jan Sargent, Cecilia Wa Gitene and Eileen Gilby. The ladies were chosen by Havering Neighbourhoods Superintendent Simon Hutchinson due to the incredible community work they do.

Sue Hedges from the Ricky Hayden Memorial is a lady who spends her life campaigning against knife crime and looking after others. She lost her son Ricky Hayden in 2016, when he was brutally stabbed outside of his own home. Since then, Sue spends literally everyday campaigning against knife crime and donating vital life saving Daniel Baird Bleed kits across London and Essex in the desperate hope that they will save a life.

Sue really is an incredible lady and an amazing community champion.

Jan Sargent is Harold Hill’s biggest champion. Jan was the Gooshayes ward councillor, but chose not to stand at the last election despite pleas from her local community who think so much of her and want her back as their councillor! She not only works everyday on local issues including the local shop watch helping shop staff, but is also part of Deer Aid.

Deer Aid are a Harold Hill group that rescue as many wildlife animals that they can. They work with the local community and large organisations, promoting better animal welfare. They under take daily rescues and are called upon by charities to help save animals. Their work is vital and essential to our community and having Jan and the Deer Aid team in Havering, means we have people who make a difference for our wildlife and most importantly people who care.

Cecilia is a lady who is found across the east London streets donating vital life saving Daniel Baird Kits. Cecilia is one of the kindest and most gentle people you could find. Her first thoughts are to always help others and she is found in many places across our community supporting those in need.

Cecilia has donated many Daniel Baird bleed kits and bleed boxes across Havering and Redbridge, she hosts life saving courses in many different youth centres to teach our youth vital first aid. She spends her days trying to save our youth and prevent them from being another victim of the knife.

Eileen Gilby runs many social media groups that help fight crime and works closely with East Area police. She aids local police officers by promoting the work they do locally and is always present at community events.

Superintendent Simon Hutchinson told the Havering Daily:

‘It was a privilege to attend the Met Carol Concert with some of our valued community partners. It was an honour to spend the evening with such highly respected community members’.

Well done ladies you are a credit to your community!

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