To mark what would have been the 80th birthday of John Lennon on 9th October 2020, the team at Strawberry Field launched a local search for Liverpool’s most inspirational ‘People of Peace’. The awards returned for 2021, but this time the search went international.

The awards were launched on 21st September, on the International Day of Peace – in order to offer a unique way of celebrating the legacy of John Lennon, and encouraging the peace, which John so often spoke about.

With just two adult winners and one child winner, the judges had a difficult decision to make from a fantastic selection of truly inspiring nominations from people across the world.

The winners of the awards have been announced as:

Sandra Hamilton – Sandra was nominated for being an ‘inspirational community leader’ who created an initiative to support children with complex needs throughout the pandemic. Her nomination described her as someone who inspires her community to “follow her lead to love, live and learn each day”

Clarissa Greenfield – winner of the child award – Clarissa was nominated for always trying to think of the next thing she can do to make someone else smile. Her nomination described how she has demonstrated peace throughout the pandemic, always trying to come up with new ways to support those around her.

We also look forward to announcing an international adult winner in the new year.

Captain Louise Brown, Fresh Expression Leader at Strawberry Field says:

“We felt that particularly during this time of pandemic, it would be wonderful to celebrate individuals. We have seen how during these months of Covid-19 and isolation, it has been so important to find new ways to connect with people, and many people have begun to find real value in the simple things in life.”

She continues:

“This year has again been one of challenge and uncertainty and we were so pleased to be able to ask people from all over the world to think about someone they know who is a ‘person of peace’. We want to celebrate individuals who make a difference just where they are, particularly in these difficult times. This year our judges had some difficult decisions to make, but we are so pleased to be able to share the story of Clarissa, Sandra, and soon to be shared – our international winner. Let’s go on celebrating all the good in this world!”

Strawberry Field appointed a panel of judges to select the three winners. They are Major Kathy Versfeld, Mission Director of Strawberry Field; Paul Beesley, Blue Badge Tour Guide, Chair of the Association of Liverpool Tour Guides and broadcaster with BBC Radio Merseyside; and Charlie Roberts, childhood friend of John Lennon and The Quarrymen – and author of Just Like Starting Over.

Winners will have their photo on display for a year at the Strawberry Field centre.

Find out more information about the winners and their nominations here: http://strawberryfieldliverpool.com/our-2021-people-peace-awards-winners