08/11/2025
🌿 We Didn’t Win, but….🌿
Last night Spritely Sustainable CIC was named Runner Up for Outstanding Community Project at the Pride of Gedling Awards.
Over the 10 years these awards have run, I’ve been a finalist three times:
🏆 2016 – Business in the Community
🌍 2023 – Environmental Hero
💚 2025 – Outstanding Community Project
I’ve never won, but I’ve realised the real reward isn’t a trophy — it’s the people, places and purpose that have grown along the way.
By day, I work full-time as a secondary school teacher — a challenging but rewarding job that gives back in its own right. Most weekends, my family and I are out volunteering, organising clean-ups, or supporting local projects. It’s busy, sometimes exhausting, but worth it!
When I started the Arnold clean-ups in February, I was terrified — panic attacks, tears, total self-doubt, worrying I’d fail or look ridiculous. But I turned up anyway. I cleaned the Covid memorial, then the graves in town.
Back then, we had 100 Facebook followers. Then something changed.
I met Jill, Martin, Linda, Kate, Laura, Fad, Richard, Samantha, Izzy, Katherine, Rachael, Faye, Mark — and so many others who arrived with their children, friends and family. Together we’ve built something truly special.
As someone who’s neurodivergent, social situations can be difficult, but this project has helped me grow and connect in ways I never imagined. Watching others find that same sense of belonging has been the biggest reward.
Our videos have now reached over 11 million people in just 9 months — unimaginable this time last year! - proof that our kindness, pride and positivity is spreading far and wide.
So no, we didn’t win an award this time — but we’ve already won in every way that matters. 💚
