It was a night to recognise the impact that the Ely Hero Awards had on the community as more than £500 was handed over to charity partner Steel Bones.

Ely Standard: Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Emma Joy-Staines, founder Steel Bones, child of achievement winner Kiera Haynes and Ely hero Ruth Marley.Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Emma Joy-Staines, founder Steel Bones, child of achievement winner Kiera Haynes and Ely hero Ruth Marley. (Image: Archant)

Community figures, Ely heroes and charity representatives came together at Poets House last night (Monday) for the £550 cheque presentation.

The money was raised from the awards ceremony held on June 25, which saw incredible community champions recognised for their hardwork.

Emma Joy-Staines, founder of Steel Bones, said: “This is huge for us and the money will mean that we can help families across the UK.

“The Ely Hero Awards has been deeper than the just the money, it has been about the awareness too.

Ely Standard: Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Steel Bones founder Emma Joy-Staines.Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Steel Bones founder Emma Joy-Staines. (Image: Archant)

“These awards are special and there is not enough of this in the world.”

Steel Bones helps support amputee families face the trauma and challenges they endure on a daily basis.

Ruth Marley, winner of the Ely Hero award 2018, presented the cheque to Emma.

The 44-year-old runs the Re-Imagination recycling unit at Witchford.

Ely Standard: Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Mayor of Ely Mike Rouse with child of achievement winner Kiera Haynes.Ely Hero Awards 2018: The cheque presentation took place at Poet's House on Monday September 24. Mayor of Ely Mike Rouse with child of achievement winner Kiera Haynes. (Image: Archant)

She said: “It is a real honour to be the Ely Hero and to be part of the family here.

“The thing that sets you apart is the very thing that makes you great. Be brave and embrace who you are.”

Mayor of Ely, Councillor Mike Rouse, said that the awards had brought people together in the community.

“Everyone has said what a strong sense of community Ely has.

“There is a great kindness here and people coming together and helping each other.”

It was the second year running for the Ely Hero Awards held at The Maltings earlier this summer.

It was organised by Metro Rod Cambridge, with support from business sponsors across Ely, including the Ely Standard newspaper.

Kevin Russell, from Metro Rod, said: “It is a great honour to have been able to once again support a local charity, this being Steel Bones. They provide such incredible support to civilian amputees which is much needed and to know that our donation can assist to further their work makes everyone involved with Ely Hero Awards very proud.”

It was organised by Metro Rod Cambridge, with support from business sponsors across Ely, including the Ely Standard newspaper.

If you would like further information on how to get involved or become a sponsor, please contact naomi@metrodcambridge.co.uk.

The Ely Hero Awards will be back in 2019 - watch this space!