The outstanding contribution individual award at the Pride of Bracknell Forest 2023 ceremony was awarded in memory of a Bracknell man who spent his life championing children with mental health.

Martin Gocke received a standing ovation on Friday, April 21 as MP James Sunderland and Andrew Peach spoke about his work throughout the Bracknell community.  

Passing away in April 2022 after facing health challenges, the teacher and supporter of disadvantaged children was celebrated for his accomplishments.

On the night, presenter Andrew Peach said: “Martin began work in Bracknell as a teacher rising to head of department in East Hampstead Primary School before becoming the deputy director of the national curriculum program for the authority. He then shifted his focus to children with special needs becoming the acting director of children’s services chairing the school’s forum and acting as a governor at Kennel Lane special school, as well as chairing youth line as an advisor.

“Martin was passionate about disadvantaged children and helping them in this area. He’s been instrumental in raising additional funding for building a stable service that continues to support the educational needs of countless pupils.

“Despite dealing with health challenges, Martin remained a passionate volunteer until he passed in April 2022. His dedication to other is an inspiration to us. He was a true champion of Bracknell. It is an honour to be able to present this award to commemorate the life of Martin.”

Sean Taylor, the chair of the Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards committee welcomed everyone to the ceremony which brought hundreds of recipients and officials from across Bracknell together.

He said: “There’s a lot of money and time that goes into this, and a big team that organises the event all year round. It costs about a hundred thousand pounds so it’s a serious undertaking and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors.

“We’re here to recognise people in education, people in sports, contribution to the business community, contribution to charity and voluntary work. There’s not any facet of the community that we’re not recognising.

“We’ve got a really good collection of people and most important are the people who are nominated.”