Thanks to our loyal readers and an army of support from across the UK, The Big Issue scooped the British Cover of the Year category at the prestigious national PPA Magazine Awards in London last week.
Our Remembrance cover – featuring a stark photograph of Sergeant Rick Clement, who lost his legs in Afghanistan in 2010 when he stepped on a roadside explosive device – was one of just 10 shortlisted by judges from all magazines in the country. The list then went to a public vote. Competition was fierce, including Radio Times’ Doctor Who cover and Elle magazine’s Emma Watson-fronted feminism issue.
Thanks to everyone that voted for my pic of @SgtClem and @BigIssue to win #coveroftheyear @ #PPAAwards last night! pic.twitter.com/mq5iTzCZxj
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) July 10, 2015
But with the support of our readers, the wider public and a multitude of armed forces personnel past and present we received the most votes in the Awards’ public poll and romped to victory. Rick was a guest at the ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel, as was rock-star-turned-photographer Bryan Adams, who took the striking photograph of Rick.
Rick, resplendent in his military medals recognising his 14 years of decorated service, said: “I’m extremely proud to have been a part of this wonderful achievement and to have been able to have supported The Big Issue. It’s something I will never forget.
“I’m so thankful for what I’ve been through, that I survived and I am here to say these words, and I want to thank everyone who voted for us to win. I’d like to dedicate this to everyone that has lost their lives in any conflict, and in particular three of my friends – Rocko, Jordan and Taggy. This one’s for you, boys.”