Award Created In Memory Of 7/7 Social Worker

Colleagues of a social worker killed in the July 7 bombings have created an award recognising “dedication and excellence” in honour of her commitment to helping people with learning disabilities. Ojara Ikeagwu was one of 27 people – including suicide bomber Jermaine Lindsay – who died in the Piccadilly Line explosion between Russell Square and King’s Cross.

The 55-year-old had helped hundreds of people with learning disabilities during a five-year career with Hounslow Council.

The married mother-of-three worked at the Berkeley Centre in Heston, assessing adults with learning difficulties and ensuring they got the social care and health services to which they were entitled.

In Ojara’s memory, the council’s Housing and Community Services department has created a special annual award to recognise dedication and excellence in social care. The department’s director Susanna White paid tribute to Ojara, who she described as a social worker “of the highest calibre”.

“Her commitment, dedication and positive attitude made a difference to so many lives. It is a fitting tribute to Ojara that this award will recognise and reward staff who show the array of qualities Ojara brought to her work,” she said.

The first recipients of the award were Judy Smart, who manages a team helping people with learning disabilities, and Carol-Ann Howson, assistant manager of the physical and sensory impairments team.

Ms Smart said: “Ojara was a colleague who I had much love, respect and admiration for. It was a privilege to work with her and I’m honoured to receive this special award.”

Ms Howson also said she was proud to be given the inaugural Ojara Ikeagwu Award for Excellence in Service Delivery.