Local Grimsby resident, Declan Clarke, a Field Engineer at Triton Knoll, operated by RWE, was awarded a prestigious accolade at the 2024 Global Offshore Wind Awards, when he was named the ‘Unsung Hero’ at a glittering ceremony held in London. Organised by Renewables UK, the Global Offshore Wind Awards is an annual ceremony bringing together the brightest and most innovative minds from the offshore wind sector. Nominations are open to any person or company who works in the offshore wind industry. The ceremony was held in the Royal Lancaster, London on 15th October 2024 and was attended by many of the big hitters in the industry, many based in the Humber, as well as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband who gave a speech on the evening.
The Unsung Hero category celebrated those that ‘may not always be in the limelight, and often working behind the scenes, consistently performing an integral role within their team’. Declan was nominated by his manager, Guy Middleton, who needed to demonstrate his contribution to his team and how he has had an impact on his role, team members, and the work produced.
Declan was shortlisted for the award alongside eight other industry professionals, a judging panel consisting of his offshore peers chose him as the winner.
In a post on their LinkedIn page, RWE described Declan as ‘a true inspiration of RWE’s offshore wind operations team’. His colleagues describe him as kind, caring and supportive with enthusiasm that is contagious.
Guy Middleton, General Manager at RWE’s Grimsby Hub located on the Royals Docks, said: “We are so proud of Declan’s well deserved win. Not only is he an outstanding employee, he is also a fantastic role model for the rest of the workforce. He voluntarily mentors RWE’s Humber based apprentices, taking time to support them on a professional and personal level. He will always go out of his way to help others, has volunteered to be a mental health first aider and is now qualified to give support to anyone struggling with mental health.”
On top of his exemplary record as an employee, being a local Grimsby resident, Declan also organises activities to raise well needed funds for local causes. Charities that have benefitted from Declan’s fundraising include Andy’s Children’s Hospice, a North East Lincolnshire charity providing services to meet the needs of children and their families who are affected by a life-limiting condition, and men’s suicide prevention charity, Andy’s Man Club.
Guy added: “Declan cares about people and it is his charity work that makes him truly inspirational. In total, he has raised over £18,000 for charity during his employment with RWE. In 2023, Declan established the ‘Humber Renewable Cup’, a charity football tournament in Grimsby, open to local football teams and teams from RWE and other renewable companies, that raises funds for important local causes.”
Declan was honored to be named Unsung Hero and said “I’m absolutely over the moon to win the award, it’s still not sunk in and very unexpected! The biggest achievement, every year is encouraging people putting their hands in their pockets and donating to the charity events at a time when people don’t have as much spare cash. It’s incredibly humbling every year
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