Cornwall’s Most Inspiring Over-60s Revealed After 220 Nominations

Cornwall’s most inspiring residents over the age of 60 have been revealed following a countywide search that saw more than 220 nominations submitted.

The campaign, launched by Cornwall Council in January, aimed to highlight people across the county who are enjoying healthy ageing while making a positive impact in their communities.

A Wide Range of Inspiring Contributions

Judges reviewed nominations across a variety of categories, including Lifetime Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Creative Contributor, Health and Wellbeing Advocate, Environmental Hero, Sports Inspiration, Neighbourhood Supporter, Business Leader, Cultural Ambassador, Charity Fundraiser and Unsung Hero.

Finalists were recognised for a wide range of contributions. These included helping communities stay active through activities such as yoga, cycling and sea swimming, as well as bringing people together through music, dance and community support.

One finalist was described as “inspirational, deeply committed to her community, and proof that later life can be a time of profound contribution and positive change. Newquay, and Cornwall are far kinder, healthier and more connected places because of her.”

Judges Faced a Difficult Decision

Councillor Jim McKenna, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, thanked those who took part in the nominations.

Jim McKenna said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time nominate someone from their community.

“It was very difficult for us to narrow it down as everyone nominated went above and beyond in their daily activities to keep active, healthy and support others.

“With nominations ranging from 60 to 103, it really shows that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to living a full life.”

Kim Carey, Chair of Age UK Cornwall and one of the judges, also highlighted how challenging the process was.

Kim Carey said: “This was really difficult to judge as there were so many deserving winners.

“I find it really inspirational, that so many people are dedicating their lives to not only living well and ageing well, but are supporting their community to do the same.”

Winners to Be Celebrated in Truro

The finalists will be invited to an event in Truro next month, where they will receive certificates in recognition of their achievements.

Profiles of the winners will also be published on the Cornwall Council website in the coming weeks, with their stories shared on social media over the next few months.

Readers can view the full list of winners on the Cornwall Council website here:
👉 See the full list of winners

Full List of Finalists

The 60 over 60 finalists are:

Business Leader
Babs Rounsevell, Gaz Douglas, Elaine Coleman

Charity Fundraiser
Andrea Hall, Edna Liddicoat, Tina Robinson, Lynne Blewett

Creative Contributor
Annete Baskerville-Smith, Sarah Pym, Helen Porter, Andrew Bown, Penny Platts, Gareth Stubberfield

Cultural Ambassador
Jane Richardson, Terry Faull, Paul Caruana, Peter Maynard

Environmental Hero
Lesley Bradley, John Crumpton, Maggie Freegard, Anne Tryhorn, Robin Nicholls, Monique Schneider

Health and Wellbeing Advocate
Cym Downing, Dr Chris Whitworth, Beth Mitchell, Robert Rotchell, Joy Saunders, Michael Dobson, Richard Emerson

Lifetime Community Champion
Joanne Gilbert, Sandy Lawrence, Martin Langdon, Steve Chapman, Angela Agutter

Mentor
Robert Woods, Helen Shanahan, Catherine McGuire

Neighbourhood Supporter
Richard Bridgeman, Pixie Davis, Derek Anstis, Gaye Braund, Suzanne Featherstone, Gail (Candy) Kemp, Teresa Roden, Frank O’Neil, Chris Tonkin

Sports Inspiration
Paul Wright, Diane Warren, Martin Walton, Antony Roberts, David May, Anthony Rowell

Unsung Hero
Arno Canale, David Gregory, Laura Fay, Sue Phillips

Volunteer of the Year
Paul Hinds, Carol Nicholson, Carol O’Brien