Winner: Peter Lawrence

The audience got to its feet to cheer in support of Peter Lawrence as this award was announced.

Mr Lawrence, a nominee for person of the year, was given a special achievement award by the judges for bearing so much so publicly but still finding it in himself to take up the cause of families of missing people and to lobby for better help and for a guardianship arrangement for the families of missing people.

The panel wanted to recognise Peter in support of his work to benefit others. Judges said: “He deserves recognition for what he has done as a York resident for communities across the country. We hope this shows the people of York are behind him.”

He said he was shocked and moved by the standing ovation he received and vowed to continue working to change the law: “I will keep doing this for as long as it takes – firstly, to find Claudia and secondly to get these rights for other people. I will keep going for as long as I am able.”

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