CHRIS MCBURNIE
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A disability campaigner has been nominated for Angel of the Year for his work at Enable Jersey, with the charity coming on “leaps and bounds” under his stewardship.
Sean Pontin was appointed chief executive of Enable Jersey – which is dedicated to providing support and a voice to anyone in the island living with a disability or long-term condition, including their family, friends and carers – five years ago.
His nominator, Carina Le Heuze, said: “He tirelessly helps his clients while striving to fundraise and come up with ideas.”
Miss Le Heuze shared how Mr Pontin helped her after being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.
She added: “Even though it’s still early stages, he sees me struggling and helps when others would not ‘see’ me.
“Although he’s extremely humble, he deserves all the recognition coming his way.”
Two members of the Hospital’s breast-care team have been nominated for Angel of the Year for going “above and beyond” to support Islanders on their breast-cancer journeys. Senga McNeill and Grace Thomson were jointly nominated by patient Zona Michel, who described the care she received from them as “amazing”.
Mrs Michel said she felt “blessed” to have been so well looked after, with the two women making sure she felt comfortable throughout every step of her journey.
“I am sure I am not alone in wishing to nominate the whole team, but Senga and Grace truly have stood out in my care and journey, and I am sure in many others’ journeys,” she explained. Mrs Michel praised the pair for always being willing to answer questions and explain each stage of the process.
“These two ladies deserve to be recognised for their kindness and devotion to their job,” she added. “They are always willing to answer any questions and talk through every single part of the journey with you. “These two ladies go above and beyond to help the Jersey community who are on their breast cancer journey. I really appreciate the first-class service I received.”
An empowering young woman who is described as a “ray of sunshine” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her friend Annie Leonard.
Rachel Brophy is someone who has always been “an angel sent from above” despite facing many challenges of her own, according to Miss Leonard.
The two have known each other since they were young and Miss Leonard described her friend as a “strong and loving person”.
She said: “Rachel has always shown up, and always puts everyone [else] first, even when going through tough times.”
Miss Brophy dedicates most of her time to supporting those with additional needs at Grainville School, alongside volunteering at Mind Jersey, a charity that helps those struggling with their mental health.
Miss Leonard added: “Rachel deserves this award as she is constantly there for her friends and family. Rachel is loved by many and is, and always has been, an angel of happiness and love.”
Laura Crocker has been nominated for Angel of the Year for her continued hard work as a Respiratory Nurse Specialist.
Mrs Crocker is described by her nominator, Judith Alexander, as someone who is “exceptionally caring” and “consistently goes above and beyond” for her clients, ensuring they are made to feel at ease during their appointments.
Miss Alexander said: “Laura’s professionalism, clinical expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her patients is truly outstanding.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for the incredible difference she makes to the lives of her patients every day.”
A woman who has “transformed the lives of countless Islanders” through her work supporting people affected by eating disorders has been nominated for Angel of the Year.
Jersey Eating Disorder Support chief executive Karen Dingle was put forward by her daughter Amy, who has battled her own life-threatening eating disorder. Despite facing challenges of her own over the years, Mrs Dingle has devoted “countless hours” to helping others and overseen a significant increase in the charity’s reach.
Miss Dingle, now JEDS deputy chief executive, explained that her mother had spent five years studying for a Level 5 Diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling so that she could establish the charity’s counselling service.
“I am incredibly proud to call Karen my mum, colleague and best friend, but even prouder of the hope she gives to so many others every single day,” she said. “Her kindness, courage and generosity have touched more lives than she will ever know, and, to me, she truly is Jersey’s angel.
Carly Silvester has been nominated for Angel of the Year for being someone who “gives so much of herself to others” without ever seeking any recognition for her kindness that “has touched countless lives”.
One of her nominators, Alex Ruddy said: “Throughout my cancer diagnosis, she attended every appointment with me, offering practical help, emotional support and friendship when I needed it most.”
Mrs Silvester has also dedicated many hours to volunteering at Jersey Hospice, helping those at life’s most difficult moments, alongside many other events across the Island, her nominators said.
Ms Ruddy added: “What makes Carly even more remarkable is that I know I am not the only person she supports in this way. She stands beside friends, family and strangers alike, offering love, generosity and hope whenever it is needed.”
A teacher who has been described as the “true definition of selflessness, kindness and strength” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her best friend. Samantha Walton said Stacey MacMinn was someone who “worked hard” to achieve her degree and become a teacher, and was dedicated to “making a difference to the lives of her pupils”.
Miss Walton said: “No matter what she is facing in her own life, Stacey always puts everyone else first. “What makes Stacey so special is that no matter how much she is carrying herself, she never lets it stop her from being there for others.
“She always turns up with a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. She never complains, or asks for anything in return, and somehow makes everyone else feel loved and supported, even when her own heart is breaking.
“I want Stacey to know that every sacrifice she makes and every smile she gives, despite everything she is going through, does not go unnoticed. She truly is an angel on earth.”
A Mother who goes “above and beyond” for her family despite “intense pressure and stress” has been nominated for Angel of the Year by her daughter.
Daphne East was described as the “brightest light” who can “cheer anyone up with just her presence” by her nominator, Millie East, who said: “Despite the intense pressure and stress that has been put on her shoulders, she is an inspiration to everyone in her life for her sheer dedication to being an amazing mum, friend, and colleague.
“Last year was one of the hardest years of our lives, with my dad spending most of the year in hospital. Although we were all struggling immensely, mum made our lives as positive as she could.
“She works harder than anyone I have ever met, not just in a professional capacity but also with her volunteer work and looking after her family.
“She deserves the world and more with how amazing she truly is.”
A woman who “creates a very warm and welcoming environment” for residents and families at Glanville Ladies Residential Care Home has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award.
In her role as a registered manager, Isabel Freitas has been described as someone who goes “above and beyond to create happy memories for her ladies”.
Her nominator, Janice Kearsey, said: “Isabel takes the trouble to fully understand the personalities and interests of each of the individual ladies in her care.
“Isabel provided the practical support and encouragement to ensure that my mother was able to attend an important family occasion.
“This enabled the rest of the family to enjoy the event and keep a watchful eye on the happy couple’s four-year-old son, who had an important role as the official ring bearer.” Mrs Kearsey said that from the moment she met Mrs Freitas “it was clear that she loves her job”.
A JSPCA ambulance driver, who dedicates his time to helping Jersey’s animals, has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award.
Greg Connor was nominated by his colleague Pam Aubert, who said it took “a special kind of person full of compassion, care and genuine humility” to be an ambulance driver, which Mr Connor “has in abundance”.
Mrs Aubert said: “We never know what our ambulance drivers get called out to, but they are always ready for the unexpected. I have personally been out with Greg on a shift and seen him first-hand in action. “I can honestly say it was a truly wonderful experience, and one that has stayed with me.” Mrs Aubert explained how she had “encouraged” others who work behind the scenes to attend emergencies with the ambulance drivers to “fully understand how incredible our free public service is”.
Mrs Aubert added: “There are heroes and there are angels in disguise all around us and hidden in plain sight. Greg, our JSPCA ambulance driver, is one of them.“The Island is very lucky to have our free ambulance service, and luckier to have people like Greg who deliver it.”
A woman who provides “invaluable support” to colleagues at Mont à l’Abbé School has been nominated for the Angel of the Year award. Tina Hutchison is described by her nominator and co-worker, Lisa Patton, as someone who “genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others” by making sure they feel heard and valued.
Mrs Patton said: “She consistently goes above and beyond what is expected in her role. As the HR representative for three areas of our school, she manages an incredibly demanding workload with professionalism, efficiency and compassion.“Despite her many responsibilities she always makes the time to listen, offer guidance, and support staff with kindness and respect.”
In addition to her role as school business manager, Mrs Hutchison also serves as one of the school’s mental-health first aiders. Mrs Patton added: “Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Whether she is helping with a complex HR issue, offering reassurance during difficult times, or simply checking on someone’s wellbeing, she approaches every situation with empathy, patience and a positive attitude.
“She is a true asset to our school community, and her commitment, hard work and willingness to go the extra mile make a real difference every single day.”
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