A selfless, third-year university student will receive a medal from the Queen after being recognised for her years of tireless voluntary work. Courtney-Lee Collins, who lives in Aveley and is a law student at Anglia Ruskin University, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her continued work for a variety of charitable groups and organisations. The 21-year-old has raised substantial amounts of money for charities including Follow Your Dreams, Essex Air Ambulance, the Salvation Army, Clic Sargent, Abbie’s Army, Treetops School and Endometriosis UK. She has donated more than three and a half tonnes of food to Thurrock food bank and donated hundreds of items to hospitals, care homes and charities in the area.
CROOKS stole a nine-seater mini bus from a domestic abuse charity - which it says is the “final straw” after such a tough year for the team. Bosses at Changing Pathways, who are based in the Parklands Centre at Felmores End, Basildon, say the theft has come as yet another blow after the hit of Covid-19. It will see them unnecessarily pay out money they don’t have, if it’s not found. Having had their Ford Tourneo taken late Sunday evening, the charity has since had to rely on staff to fill its role - which is transporting children suffering from domestic abuse and women who are fleeing.