Medals for champions of community and culture

An acclaimed broadcaster, an interfaith-leader, a poet and long-serving councillor will all receive special medals highlighting their impact on their county.

The annual Suffolk Medal presentation is part of Suffolk Day.

Libby Purves OBE, Dr Soni Sushil, Michael Laskey and Liz Harsant will be presented with their awards at a civic ceremony in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday.

The medals, designed by artist Maggi Hambling, are given to those who have made a positive and lasting difference to the county.

Harsant has served as a councillor for more than 20 years, including as leader of Ipswich Borough Council and chairwoman of Suffolk County Council.

She became a reassuring public figure following the murder of five women in 2006 and subsequently helped set up the Somebody's Daughter memorial fund.

"I'm very, very honoured," she said. "But I haven't done it on my own.

"All the people I've met over the years that I've worked with in the community and local charities, they've always been my inspiration."

Laskey helped set up long-running poetry workshops and writing groups before playing a key role in establishing the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, where he was director for 10 years.

He was awarded the King's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2025.

"Suffolk's a great place. We have lots of people who write poems, very fine poems. It is just a pity there aren't enough accolades to go round," said Laskey.

Purves has championed Suffolk's people, culture and heritage throughout her career as a national radio presenter, columnist, theatre critic and journalist.

Sushil has drawn on his professional expertise and personal conviction to strengthen community cohesion in Suffolk, setting up charities including the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association.

Hannah Bloom, chief executive of the Suffolk Community Foundation, which coordinates the Suffolk Medal, said her team were proud to be playing a leading role in the Suffolk Day celebrations.

"It is especially pleasing to see such a wide and diverse range of individuals receive the medal in recognition of the positive difference they have made to our county.

"It is the highest honour the county can make to an individual."

Matt Marvell and Jon Wright will have a Suffolk Day Special on BBC Radio Suffolk from midday on Sunday 21 June, live from the Abbey gardens in Bury St Edmunds.

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