Tesco Lincoln Extra’s Ann-Marie Hamson honoured with prestigious medal

Community Champion Ann-Marie Hamson has received the Mayoral Medal from the City of Lincoln Council in recognition of her outstanding work for the community.

Ann-Marie has been in her Community Champion role at Tesco Lincoln Extra for almost three years. She manages a community donation budget for local groups or events, organises fundraisers and acts as a contact point for charities receiving support from Tesco.

She is also actively involved in a wide range of community initiatives across Lincolnshire, including the Lincoln Royal Naval Club, the Let Them Eat Cake voluntary group, Adi's Legacy community support group, Sophie's Journey cancer charity and the Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust, as well as supporting Search and Rescue Lincolnshire and St Barnabas Hospice.

Thanks to Ann-Marie, Tesco Lincoln Extra has a thriving bookshelf which helps raise much-needed funds for different local causes. She also organises various fundraising events at the store, such as static bike ride challenges, charity choir concerts, tea meetings and kids craft sessions, that help bring the community together and grow stronger. In the first quarter of this year, the store raised over £8,000 in donations for several local charities, such as Wragby ChEF, YMCA Lincolnshire and St Barnabas Hospice.

The Mayoral Medals were originally presented to those returning home from the First World War. Since 1995, the City of Lincoln Council has restored the tradition and presents up to six medals every year to individuals who have made tireless efforts to improve the lives of others in their communities.

Ann-Marie received the Mayoral Medal from the Mayor of Lincoln following nominations from Lincoln Royal Naval Club, which she regularly supports.

Ann-Marie said: “I’m so delighted to have been recognised for this medal. Working in the community and supporting those in need is something I care deeply about, and it’s a privilege to be able to work alongside so many community groups and individuals across the area.

“Every day, I am inspired by the strength, generosity and dedication of the people I meet. I feel grateful for the chance to play a part in helping our community grow stronger together. This recognition also belongs to my fellow Tesco colleagues whose support and commitment over the years make this meaningful work possible.”

An awarding ceremony was hosted at the Guildhall, where the Mayoral Medals were presented by the Mayor to the outstanding winners of this year in front of their nominators.

Cllr Bill Mara, Mayor of Lincoln, said: “It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Mayoral Medal recipients, whose dedication and selfless service have made an exceptional contribution to our city.

“By giving their time and energy to support others and make a positive difference to our communities, these recipients are truly our unsung heroes who represent the very best of Lincoln’s community spirit.”

For more information about the Mayoral Medals, visit: https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/council/civic-twinning

For more information about the work that Tesco does in local communities, go to https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/communities/community-champions/