Our Unsung Great Britons

We’ve enjoyed reading about all of the inspiring heroes hiding away across the country, whether they were friends, family or strangers. Your nominations have continued to remind us of the incredible generosity, compassion and dedication of so many people, as well as being a reminder of why we should be proud to be British.

Things got crazy busy here at COOK in the run up to Christmas (we had to cook a lot of Christmas lunches and some New Year’s Day dinners too). But this doesn’t mean that we forgot about our search for unsung Great Britons in celebration of the launch of our Brit Pots. We’re pleased to announce our winners from October and November, two true Great Britons.

Our October winner was Peter Mason. Peter was nominated by Susan Weaver for his passion and dedication as a sports coach and for leading his young team to a recent victory. After all of his hard work we agree that he deserves a little bit of a treat:

“Peter is my brother and he has just turned 50.  He has always belonged to Tonbridge Athletics Club, since he was a young boy. As he has got older competing has become more difficult; he runs his own Landscaping business, the job is quiet strenuous and has taken its toll. He got into coaching about 20 years ago and has devoted at least 1 day each weekend and 2 nights per week throughout the summer and winter to coaching youngsters since then.  He often takes several youngsters between the ages of 11-16 to meetings so that they can compete, these can include overnight stays in the UK and abroad.  I know that he pays for all of his away stays out of his own pocket, although he is happy to do so.  Recently his group won a very prestigious event in Manchester which he had always dreamed of winning, this wouldn’t have been possible without his dedication and commitment to encouraging all of the young people he works with.”

With an incredible four nominations, Rachael Marsh is our November winner. Nominated by Polly Mackay, Jo Rahman, Katy Giddens and Kate Morrison for her inspiring work in establishing and running the charity for premature baby units, Ickles Pickles, Rachael’s tireless work makes her truly deserving of a little recognition:

“Four years ago Rachael started a charity to raise money for premature baby units after the early arrival of her first son, Charlie. Since starting the charity, Ickles Pickles, she has raised well over £250,000 and the charity has expanded from helping just St George’s Hospital in Tooting, to helping hospitals across the UK including Pembury in Tunbridge Wells. Rachael has developed a network of matrons across the UK who advise her on their unit’s needs. She is absolutely devoted to the charity and works tirelessly to the point of obsession. She is always organising events from wine tastings to sponsored runs/walks and thinking of new and innovative ways of raising money as the NHS is continually stretched. She is an inspiring and Great Briton (and a fab mother and friend to boot) she so deserves to put her feet up and enjoy some food from COOK.”