Churchill Living has recognised the inspiring contribution of over 60s in Kent as part of its Local Hero Awards 2026, with Ramsgate volunteer Simon Dolby named the county’s Local Hero.
Simon, 62, received the award at a ceremony held at Churchill Living’s Invicta Lodge in Westwood Cross, in recognition of his tireless work supporting people across his local community. He was presented his trophy by Debra Owen-Hughes, Chair of Thanet District Council, and Derek Blackman, Escort to the Chair.
Simon’s charity career has spanned decades. After initially establishing a children’s charity, he went on to create the Thanet Community Awards and Kent Volunteering Awards, giving hundreds of volunteers a moment in the spotlight, while remaining firmly in the background himself.
Through his more recent work with East Kent Mind, Simon saw the need for greater support for military veterans – many of whom struggle with poor mental health, loneliness and social isolation. He secured funding for projects across Thanet and Canterbury, bringing veterans together through activities, trips and wellbeing support, while helping them access other services when needed.
Simon’s efforts continue to grow. He’s established the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, which recognise more than 50 people and organisations each year, and established Veterans Awards, celebrating and thanking over 30 veterans and supporters for their service and community contribution.
Karen Brinkman, who nominated Simon, said “one of his greatest strengths is that he never accepts no for an answer when it comes to helping others.”
As Kent’s Local Hero, Simon has received £1,000 for East Kent Mind from the Churchill Foundation – the charity arm of Churchill Living.
Simon said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be awarded as Kent’s Local Hero by Churchill Living and for the Foundation’s incredibly generous donation towards East Kent Mind. This isn’t the first time Churchill has supported the charity, with us recently hosting Veterans Coffee Mornings with the owners here, helping veterans connect with others within the community. It’s brilliant to be back here accepting this award and its things like this that really spur you on to keep helping people, knowing the difference it makes to their lives. This award goes out to all my colleagues at East Kent Mind, and the wonderful people we get to support.”
Churchill’s Local Hero Awards 2026 follows the success of last year’s inaugural awards, which saw winners crowned across six counties. This year, the initiative has grown to honour 10 individuals doing brilliant things in their local communities.
The awards highlight the valuable contribution older people continue to make through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring and supporting those around them. According to the State of UK Volunteer Management Report 2026, 50% of organisations say their volunteer bases are mostly made up of people aged 61 to 79.
Spencer J McCarthy, Chairman and CEO of Churchill Living, said: “Following the success of last year’s Local Hero Awards, we were excited to re-launch the initiative this year and recognise another cohort of incredibly worthwhile nominees. The Local Hero Awards highlight the incredible contribution older people are making in communities across the country.
“Simon is truly an inspiring example of the impact that decades of time and effort can have on people who need it. Karen’s words when she nominated Simon sum him up perfectly - dedicated and unwavering in his support for others. We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and thank him for everything he does.”
