Fourteen individuals and groups whose hard work and dedication have significantly improved their local communities, were honoured at the 2025 Hillingdon Community Awards.
Fourteen exceptional residents and organisations were celebrated at the 2025 Hillingdon Community Awards, for their selfless contributions to the borough. The prestigious event, held at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, honoured individuals and groups whose hard work and dedication have significantly improved their local communities.
The annual awards, hosted by Hillingdon Council, provide an opportunity to highlight the remarkable efforts of those who give up their time to make the borough a better place. The awards recognise achievements across three categories: Helping Communities, Helping Vulnerable People, and Promoting Health and Wellbeing. This year’s ceremony saw a record 167 nominations, with a distinguished panel of judges, including the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, selecting the winners.
The winners were presented with their awards in the Council Chamber by the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, Cllr Edwards, and the council’s Chief Executive, Tony Zaman. The evening’s gold awards were claimed by several deserving individuals, including Brenda Tilbury and Barbara Wilsher, both of whom received recognition in the Helping Communities category. Brenda was honoured for over 60 years of dedication to girl guiding in the borough, while Barbara was celebrated for her extensive work with Ickenham Cricket Club and Harlington Hospice’s charity shop.
The third gold winner of the evening was Amisha Thobhani, who received the top prize in the Promoting Health and Wellbeing category. A survivor of three brain tumours, Amisha has become an invaluable volunteer for the Hillingdon Brain Tumour and Injury Group. She has also raised over £10,000 for brain tumour charities, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting others. At the ceremony, Amisha spoke passionately about the importance of raising awareness for brain tumours, which are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children and young adults under 40. She dedicated her award to all those who had supported her throughout her recovery and said, “Volunteering is my way of giving back to the community that supported me.”
James White, who received the silver award in the Helping Communities category, was acknowledged for his 17 years of dedication to Brook House Youth Football Club. James has played an instrumental role in the development of over 300 young footballers every week. Recently, he also began coaching a new under-7s team, including children with learning difficulties. James, who was thrilled to receive the award, said, “Brook House Youth Football Club has been a part of my life for such a long time. It’s not just about football; it’s about helping kids build teamwork and confidence.”
North Hillingdon resident Harpal Tamber, accompanied by his therapy dog Buddy, won the bronze award in the Promoting Health and Wellbeing category. Harpal and Buddy visit Hillingdon Hospital weekly, offering comfort to patients and staff in the neurology, stroke, and children’s wards. As a registered therapy dog with the charity Pets as Therapy, Buddy has made a significant impact, including helping stroke patients regain movement. Harpal expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “Buddy and I are thrilled and humbled to receive this award. It’s a privilege to see the positive impact Buddy has on the people we meet.”
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, commended the winners for their outstanding contributions, saying, “I always enjoy hearing the inspiring stories of outstanding people in the community who have gone the extra mile to better the lives of others. The Hillingdon Community Awards is our way of giving these individuals, charities, and organisations the praise they richly deserve and a way of saying ‘thank you’ for all they do to make our borough the best place to live, work, and visit.”
The 2025 Hillingdon Community Awards demonstrated the borough’s deep appreciation for the dedication and commitment of its residents, highlighting the invaluable role that community members play in improving the lives of others. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of volunteerism and the selfless individuals who work tirelessly to make Hillingdon a better place for all.
