Celebrating the county’s champions with a Suffolk Medal

Four outstanding individuals who have made a positive and lasting difference to the county of Suffolk have been awarded the coveted Suffolk Medal.

The accolades, which are the highest honour the county can bestow, were presented during the Suffolk Day celebrations in Bury St Edmunds yesterday (21 June). They were given to:

• Liz Harsant – who has dedicated more than two decades of her life serving her community as a councillor, including as leader of Ipswich Borough Council and chair of Suffolk County Council. Liz also became a reassuring public figure following the tragic murder of five young women in 2006 and helped to set up the ‘Somebody’s Daughter’ memorial fund as well as becoming one of the first trustees of Ipswich recovery charity Talitha Koum.
• Michael Laskey – a celebrated poet who has helped to 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. Michael continues to be an advocate for local poets while enjoying success himself, having been awarded the King’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2025.
• Libby Purves OBE – who has championed Suffolk’s people, culture and heritage throughout her career as a national radio presenter, columnist, theatre critic and journalist. Libby has played an important role in supporting East Anglian theatre, while also promoting the work of Suffolk companies like the Red Rose Chain and the New Wolsey in Ipswich.
• Dr Soni Sushil – who has drawn on his professional expertise and personal conviction to strengthen community cohesion in Suffolk, helping to found the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, SIFRE and the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality. Through these organisations, Dr Sushil has supported minority communities, fostered cultural pride and encouraged dialogue between different groups.

The medals were presented by Lord Lieutenant, Mark Pendlington. The ceremony took place during a day packed-full of activities to celebrate the people, places, traditions and institutions which make Suffolk so special, including a farmers and craft market, and a one-night only celebration concert in St Edmundsbury Cathedral featuring local and acclaimed performers.

Hannah Bloom, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, which coordinates the Suffolk Medal, said: “We were proud to once again play a leading role in the Suffolk Day celebrations by arranging the Suffolk Medal ceremony. It was especially pleasing to see such a wide and diverse range of individuals receive the medal in recognition of the lasting and positive difference they have made to our county.

“The purpose of The Suffolk Medal is to recognise, reward and champion the exceptional contributions of individuals who have made a fundamental and lasting difference to the county of Suffolk and its people. It is the highest honour the county can make to an individual.

“It was a pleasure to see Liz, Michael, Libby and representatives for Dr Sushil receive their accolades. We would encourage anyone who knows someone deserving of a medal to consider nominating them so that we can continue to celebrate the diverse range of people who go above and beyond for our county at next year’s ceremony. A heartfelt thank you to Barnes Construction who contribute each year to the administration costs of the Suffolk Medal.”

For more information about Suffolk Day, visit www.suffolkday.co.uk

For more information about the Suffolk Medal or to make a nomination, visit www.thesuffolkmedal.org