AFTER the superb evening at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, at The Argus Achievement Awards 2009, may I offer sincere congratulations to all The Argus staff, production staff of the event and all the front of house and Theatre Royal staff.

I had no personal allegiance in the awards but I had followed some of those nominated in The Argus and as such I nominated Phil Fanthome, the former soldier seriously injured in Afghan-istan.

Having myself worked for six years at the Royal Star and Garter Home for ex-service people in Richmond, I can begin to understand some of the ghastly problems faced by Phil but for him to take on so many fundraising activities for ex-service people is fantastic.

Particular thanks to The Argus staff on the night for somehow getting me to meet the person I had nominated and who, more importantly, won his award.

Congratulations to all concerned. I do hope we read more of Phil’s exploits.

Tony Sheppard
president, Lewes Division
St John Ambulance