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Epolitix Charity Champion Awards 2006
November 29th 2006
One George Street, Westminster
The Epolitix Charity Champion Awards take place each year to honour the MPs who have made real contributions to the voluntary sector. Many MPs, especially backbenchers, devote a lot of their time to helping charities and get little recognition for their work, this event aims to give them the pat on the back they deserve!
This years ceremony was as star studded as ever with awards being presented by Rula Lenska, Liz Smith and Lloyd Grossman.
Ian has won the Epolitix Health Champion Award the past three years running for his exceptional work in the cancer field, which led to Lloyd Grossman commenting that 'Ian Gibson is the Brazil of this award'. This year the awards host Robin Hutchinson suggested that the Health Champion Award be renamed the Ian Gibson award for Health! However, Ian agreed to step aside this year, partly because there is not much room left on his shelf, and partly to let someone else have a turn. He was then asked to present the award to this years Health Champion John Bercow MP, who won the award for the excellent work he has done with Brain Tumour Charity 'Ali's Dream'.
The Lifetime award for Oustanding Achievement was awarded posthumously to Lord Stratford, known to most as Tony Banks, for all the campaigning he had done over his lifetime on animal welfare. Ian had worked closely with Tony on many campaigns over the years, including the Hunting Bill.
Ian presenting the Health Champion Award to John Bercow MP
Lord Ashley, Lady Stratford & Alun Michael MP collecting Lord Stratford's Lifetime Achievement Award
Emily Thornberry MP receiving the Environment Champion Award from Rula Lenska
Lord Sutherland receiving the Old People's Champion Award from Liz Smith
For the full rundown of all of this years winners click here