The second annual Constructive Carers Awards held at The House of Lords, by kind permission of The Lord Speaker on July 29, saw Dan Catchsides from Eltham gain recognition for his charitable work with the Freddie Farmer Foundation. The awards, sponsored by Guardian Air & Water Hygiene in association this year with The Kids Company seek out people who work within property from; design through construction to maintenance – who are unsung heroes who do so much for others.

The sparkling ceremony, hosted by The Rt Hon the Baroness Smith of Basildon - herself a prolific supporter of charities - was a fitting tribute to Dan, whose dedication to the Freddie Farmer Foundation is as inspiring as it is impressive. Dan was cited as ‘Dan is a brilliant example of sheer doggedness that is leading rapidly to the creation of a specialist centre for children living with quadriplegic cerebral palsy” by his nominator Anita Catchsides.

Dan said: “The speaker, Dawn from Kids Company and Chair of Judges Ray Edwards MBE are inspirational people – it is great to be in their presence. It’s a brilliant thing that Guardian has done to bring all of these people together here.”

Baroness Smith of Basildon was delighted to host a national event born in her native Essex, “Like everyone here this evening, I’m touched and impressed by the modesty of the everyday heroes Guardian and the Kids Company are recognising – it’s evenings like this that give me the most pleasure.”

Chairing the panel of judges was one of the winners from the previous year, Ray Edwards, MBE “As a previous winner of this lovely award, I can say with confidence that it means the world to each of the recipients. Recognition is not the driving force for any of the winners which makes it all the better that a company like Guardian, with the support of Kids Company and Baroness Smith are looking out for the people who care – in many ways it’s the least we can do for these people and I’m thrilled to have been invited back and to continue my association with the event.”