Championing local businesses and charities has been at the heart of local marketing experts, thebestof Eastbourne’s core existence for over 10 years now.

And they would be one of the first to admit that the last year or so has been tough for everybody, especially for non-profit organisations, charities and their staff.

Which is why thebestof Eastbourne is presenting the Spirit of Eastbourne Award.

This award is to recognise the local non-profit, charity organisations and individuals in Eastbourne who have gone above and beyond in the service of their communities.

thebestof Eastbourne is recognising them for their achievements during these unprecedented times and we welcome your nominations! Just email eastbourne@thebestof.co.uk with the subject line Spirit of Eastbourne Awards and tell us why you think they should be recognised.

David Ruddle, owner of thebestof Eastbourne explains, “We have always loved championing local charities alongside our local businesses over recent years. And with all the challenges local charity organisations have faced over the last year, we felt we had to do something to recognise the efforts these local organisations have made to continue aiding and supporting the local community. Something that has been a desperate need over the past year.

In addition to local charities I am keen to recognise individuals that have continue to go above and beyond in the service of Eastbourne in these incredibly challenging times.

“This year, individuals awarded the Spirit of Eastbourne Award will highlight their service and support they have given to the local community.”

“We feel it’s important that local non-profit and charity organisations should be acknowledged for their continued effort with increased pressure on being able to deliver their service to members of the local community.” 

The first recipient of the Spirit of Eastbourne was former MP Stephen Lloyd and this is what he had to say.

"I was quite touched to receive such an award from David Ruddle, the owner of thebestof Eastbourne. Not least as I've actually known him ever since I first got elected in 2010. He came to my office and I was more than happy to support him in what was then a brand new enterprise.

Firstly as I could see it would be of value to other small and medium-sized companies in our town by helping drive customer traffic toward them, and secondly because I could tell from the start that David was a worker and that he'd put in the necessary to succeed. Which he proved over the years. Both he and I recognised in each other a genuine passion for Eastbourne, so it was kind of him to present thebestof Spirit of Eastbourne award to me."

You can see more winners as they are announced on our Facebook Page in the Photo Album Spirit of Eastbourne Awards 2021

For more information about thebestof Eastbourne Spirit of Eastbourne Awards, or to set up an interview with David Ruddle or any of the award recipients, please contact David via the contact us form.