The moment Bill Strong
received his award

A war veteran who has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds
for the families of servicemen killed in action has been
named overall winner of Pride in Medway.

Bill Strong,
96, was presented with the award at the end of an emotional
ceremony, when he was given a standing ovation.

Choking back tears and waving to the other finalists, the modest
winner said: “I did it for all those that did not come home.”

Mr Strong, who served as a Maritime Royal Artillery gunner, has
been a volunteer for the Royal British Legion for more than 50
years.

This year alone he has helped to raise £16,000 from collections at
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.

The awards were held at Medway universities' Pilkington building
on Saturday evening. Deputy mayor Cllr Barry Kemp presented the
awards and TV newsreader Geoff Clark hosted the evening.

Pride in Medway is sponsored by Medway Council, mhs homes,
the University of Kent, the Medway Messenger and this year's new
sponsor E.ON. Kingsnorth plant manager Alan Sanderson said: “This
is the first year that e.on has sponsored the pride in Medway
awards and we are proud to do so.

“Our local stations at Grain and Kingsnorth can help power local
homes and businesses but it takes people to light up their
communities – the type of people recognised by the Pride in Medway
awards.”

More on the awards in the Medway Messenger out today,
Monday, and full coverage in Friday's paper