Two amazing events in King’s Lynn

I was lucky enough to be part of two great community events in Lynn last week, one enjoyed as a spectator and one in which I played an active part.

On Wednesday evening, I was in the audience at the Alive Corn Exchange for the annual Local Hero Awards, an inspirational event organised by our sister publication Your Local Paper.

Then on Sunday morning I was back on the Tuesday Market Place again, where I was one of thousands taking part in the annual GEAR 10k race.

My wife and I and four Lynn News reporters went along to the Hero award, mainly to support the efforts of our colleagues at YLP, but it was such a heartwarming occasion that we all want to be back next year.

The Local Hero Awards honours ordinary folk who make a difference in their community and, having seen videos on the night involving each of the three nominees in all 12 awards, my heart was full, knowing how many smashing people we have living among us in West Norfolk.

I was brought to tears by the story of Triumph Over Adversity winner Jason Hall, who has beaten drug addiction and is now helping others with homeless charity the Purfleet Trust.

I know Volunteer Gary Walker well through his role with Lynn’s parkrun and the guided town walks and was delighted to see him rewarded, whereas I was really touched by the story of Neighbour of the Year Malcolm Saunders - what a man.

The event kept me in good spirits all week, leading into Sunday’s GEAR event. As a former long distance runner who now has cut down to a weekly parkrun, it was just about enjoying the occasion for me, and I certainly did.

This was my fourth GEAR and it seems to get better every year. It’s a tremendous occasion enjoyed by people of all ages and something that many ‘non-runners’ train for and take part in each year.

It also raises money for some wonderful charities while putting our brilliant town on the map.

What a great week.