A special group of employees and volunteers from Lincoln-based LACE Housing were recognised at an awards evening at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln last week.

LACE Housing’s 16^th annual awards and presentation evening (27^th November) was staged to congratulate the organisation’s staff and volunteers who have completed qualifications, achieved long service or provided invaluable support over the years.

Special guest at the ceremony was Claire Lomas, the Leicestershire woman who became a paraplegic following a riding accident in 2007. Claire told the audience how, despite her injuries,  she has raised nearly half a million pounds to support spinal injury research.

She also announced LACE Housing’s chosen charity for 2016 – the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, of which she is patron.

“Claire’s talk was inspirational and we are pleased to announce that LACE Housing will be  raising money for the NSIF next year, in part thanks to several members of our team who will be walking the 110 miles of the Cleveland Way,” said Nick Chambers, Chief Executive of LACE Housing.

“Our awards evening was a wonderful way to thank and pay tribute to our hard-working staff and volunteers and I would like to add my personal congratulations to everyone who received an award.”

Eleven LACE Housing employees received awards for 10 years’ service, four were rewarded for 20 years’ and two were given awards for 25 years with the association.

In addition 20 volunteers and 21 employees received prizes, and the following special awards were also presented on the night:

• Support Worker of the Year: David Brown, Property and Maintenance Supervisor
• Carer of the Year: Anita Bidgway, Social Care Worker, Eccleshare Court
• Hospitality Worker of the Year: Di Williamson, Support Assistant, Worth Court
• Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Sykes, Eccleshare Court
• Team of the Year: Central Services
• Unsung Hero: Angie Smith, Scheme Manager, Ruckland Court

• Excellence Award: Emma Ward, Scheme Manager, Brick Kiln Place.

LACE Housing has created a JustGiving page to help it raise funds for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. If you would like to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/LACEHousingAssociation.

Notes to editors:
• LACE Housing is a voluntary, non-profit-making association with charitable status.
• The association is the leading social housing provider in Lincolnshire specialising in a wide range of housing, care and support services.
• LACE Housing was founded in 1964 by Frank Eccleshare OBE, a city councillor in Lincoln, to help meet the housing and support needs of older people in Lincoln.

For media information contact:
Jez Ashberry
Shooting Star
01522 528540
07780 735071
@jezashberry
jez@weareshootingstar.co.uk