A TWO-time Olympian from Thurrock and her adoptive mother are set to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough along with a World War Two hero and a historian.
Javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread and surrogate mum Margaret Whitbread will be bestowed with the highest civic award at a special council ceremony on Wednesday.
Dogs Trust supporter, Ms Whitbread, 64, spent the first 14 years of her life in children’s homes after being abandoned as a baby before being welcomed into javelin coach Margaret’s home where her sporting skills flourished.
The turning point in her life came after she was moved to a local children’s home and visited Harriers’ stadium at Blackshots. Trying javelin for the first time, she never looked back after coach Margaret took her under her wing and went on to win the Helen Rollason Award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023.
In a report to the council, Jenny Shade, principal democratic services officer, said: “Both had brought distinction by being recognised for their tremendous contributions to the community and sport and continued to pour their energy into using their platform to help others, advocating for, and creating awareness of children in the care system in order to give them “a voice so they can be seen, heard and valued”.
Granting the Freedom of the Borough allows councillors to formally recognise exceptional contributions to the civic life of Thurrock and promotes the work and activities of people in the community.
The honour will also be bestowed on Jim Gooding who served with distinction in Bomber Command during World War II and establishing and supporting the veteran community in Grays and in wider Thurrock.
Ms Shade said Mr Gooding had “improved the lives of residents by supporting the RAF Wings Appeal each year at an advanced age of 99 years. He supports veterans less well off than himself, for example arranging and supporting the funeral of a veteran with no family in the borough”.
Historian Mike Ostler will also be given the prestigious award for attending a large amount of Thurrock events and promoting Thurrock history in schools and community.
Mr Ostler is said to have been pivotal in the opening of and developing the Purfleet Heritage Centre, Bata Heritage and Coalhouse Fort, ensuring Thurrock does not forget its past.
