Dads' baby loss football club wins BBC award

A man who set up a football club to bring together dads who have suffered from baby loss has been commended at the BBC Essex Make a Difference Awards.

Simon Johns, from Laindon near Basildon, is chairman of FC Vilomah which he formed in 2019. The team plays its home games in Writtle near Chelmsford.

Danny Crates, the broadcaster and Paralympic gold medallist from Essex, was one of the judges. He said Johns had created an "amazing legacy" in memory of his daughter Jessica.

Seven other community heroes were celebrated at the awards ceremony at Chelmsford Theatre on Sunday.

The awards - this year presented by BBC Essex breakfast presenter Sonia Watson and spoken-word poet Sonny Green - were set up during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

There were 749 nominations, which was a record for the annual awards in Essex. The county also had more nominations of any other BBC radio station outside of London.

Johns, whose club has organised fundraising events and celebrity football matches, walked away with the Active Award.

Michael Fragnito - a player and volunteer at the club - collected the award on Simon's behalf on Sunday.

"I think what we've created at FC Viloma is the fact that the dads know that they share a commonality with so many other dads," he said.

"They know that when they are having tough days or they do need to vent, let off some energy, some stea, some tears.

"They've got that safe space and community to do so."

Jayden from Buckhurst Hill - who has volunteered at the Queens Court Care Home once a week for the last two years - picked up the Young Hero award.

The 11-year-old's commitment has extended to playing piano, dressing up on VE Day and reading a poem for the residents.

"I'm just flabbergasted; I'm short for words," he said after receiving his award.

"[The residents have] always had a place in my heart.

"I know that when I give something, it will always come back and I know that they will always appreciate the help, and some help is needed in certain places."

Judge Jools Oliver, the fashion designer, mum and wife of Jamie Oliver, said his story was "lovely" to read about.

The Great Neighbour award was presented to John and Helen Wright, from Great Dunmow, who became a lifeline for their neighbours during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The couple ran a support network for 200 people. They helped students get access to computers for education, along with Ukrainian refugees.

"We just do it because you do it, and we're happy to do things for people," Helen said after the awards.

"It's just what everybody should be doing anyway, but we did it on an industrial scale."

Judge Susannah Dutton, the 846th High Sheriff of Essex, said she was "so impressed" with their dedication.

• Animal Award - Tilly's Angels, from Southend-on-Sea, helps reunite hundreds of lost dogs and cats with their owners
• Community Group Award - The Forget Me Not Dementia Cafe in Saffron Walden offers support to people living with the disease, and for their family and carers
• Environmental Award - Lindsey Raven Emrich set up the Fingringhoe Green Group based near Colchester, organising recycling days, litter-picks and photography competitions
• Fundraiser Award - Harry Allen, Anna Dunk and Rowan Dally make up the Three Flying Fish from Burnham-on-Crouch. They raised £57,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust by rowing across the Atlantic
• Volunteer Award - Carole Darby from Clacton-on-Sea, who lost her husband to dementia, has dedicated her spare time to residents at Edensor Care Centre

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