AN ISLAND based paralegal has been announced Community Champion of the Year at the prestigious National Paralegal Awards.

Lisa Hendy, of specialist personal injury law firm, Novum Law, based at St Cross Business Park in Newport, was awarded for going the extra mile for her community during the pandemic and dedicating her time to making the community a better place.

The awards aim to showcase and celebrate talented paralegals from across the UK, and the community champion award is a new category this year.

Lisa, who lives in Newport, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised as the first-ever community champion. This year, the event was virtual, and I couldn’t quite believe it when my name appeared on the screen.

“I love my job as a paralegal at Novum Law and that as part of my role, I can help make a positive difference in people’s lives. I think we all have a responsibility to support those in our communities who need our help — whether that’s through fundraising activities, challenges, volunteering, donating, or raising awareness.

“Helping people has always been my passion, and Novum Law has allowed me to do just that. I am fortunate to have been able to help and support some amazing local charities over the last few years, including the Wight Brainy Bunch, Smile4Wessex, the Wessex Cancer Trust, Daisy Chains IW, and Mountbatten. And I’ve made some wonderful friends along the way.”

The judges were impressed by Lisa’s hard work and dedication to good causes on the Island. Just some of the charitable activities she’s been involved in during the pandemic include Mountbatten's Walk the Wight Your Way, coordinating donations for Daisy Chains’s essential care packages for Island families struggling financially due to Covid, and organising chocolate Easter eggs and other treats for vulnerable members of the community.

She also ran the virtual London Marathon to raise funds for Daisy Chains.

Darren O’Sullivan, director of Novum Law, said: “Huge congratulations to Lisa on winning this award. It’s fantastic news and a testament to all her hard work and dedication to helping those in our community who are less fortunate than ourselves. We’re all extremely proud of her.”