UNSUNG heroes who are the pride of York enjoyed their moment in the spotlight last night as the winners of The Press’s 2011 Community Pride Awards were revealed.
Hundreds of people gathered at York Racecourse for a celebration dinner to honour the dedicated, brave and selfless finalists who have touched so many with their incredible stories.
Applause rang out as the winners stepped into the limelight, with the Spirit Of Youth title going to Paisley Laws who has cerebral palsy and who was praised for her determination and strength throughout her life.
Some of the biggest cheers went to Owen Targett, Freddie Hyde, Hannah Jayne Martin, Margaux Barker and Rosalia Daly-Maxwell, who all received the Child Of The Year accolade after our panel of judges found it too difficult to single one out.
BBC presenter Colin Hazelden compered the evening, with the award sponsors on hand to congratulate the winners.
Brian Hughes, a barber from South Bank, was named Fundraiser Of The Year, for supporting men’s cancer charities, through setting up the Taking The P race in York.
Volunteer Of The Year was Sallyanne Gatus who has overcome cancer and who started a gardening club at Dringhouses Primary School.
Best Primary School Project went to Poppleton Ousebank School for Bradley’s Garden, in memory of Bradley Brough, who died aged 11 during heart surgery last October.
Parent Of The Year went to Jeff Wall, who kept his family together despite years of adversity including illness and the death of his son, Daniel.
Meanwhile, a special award was announced last night in recognition of the York and District Under 13 football team.
The team received a Significant Achievement award for winning the English Schools FA Inter-Association trophy – the first team from York to win this competition.
Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, said the night recognised “the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people who do so much for others”.
“We have heard stories of courage, devotion and sheer determination, often in the face of adversity or personal tragedy.”
Sallyanne Gatus, accepting her Volunteer Of The Year award with her daughter, Laura, said: “When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, it changes your life and makes every second of every day mean so much.”
results
Spirit Of Youth
Winner: Paisley Laws
Runners-up: Hayden Davies; Joel Lishman and John Docherty
Public Sector Hero
Winner: John Nicholson
Runners-up: Trevor Palmer, Kathrine Armstrong-Bisson
Charity Fundraiser Of The Year
Winner: Brian Hughes
Runners-up: Dave Sykes, Andrew Fair
Child Of The Year
Winners: Owen Targett, Freddie Hyde, Hannah Jayne Martin, Margaux Barker, Rosalia Daly-Maxwell
Volunteer Of The Year
Winner: Sallyanne Gatus
Runners-up: June Whittaker, Maggie Potter
Teacher Of The Year
Winner: Gareth Davies
Runners-up: Fiona Bennett, Sarah Watts
Health Service Hero
Winner: Doreen Foster
Runners-up: Steve Marr, Jaynie Pateraki
Sporting Hero
Winner: Frank Stones
Runners-up: Sarah Watts, Poppie Jaram
Person Of The Year
Winner: Alan “Spen” Allison
Runners-up: Ben Weaver, Kate Lock
Parent Of The Year
Winner: Jeff Wall
Runners-up: John Targett, Simon and Lesley Hyde, Maxine Daly
Service With A Smile
Winner: Heworth Post Office
Runners-up: Access Travel, Little Green Rascals
Best Community Project
Winner: York People First
Runners-up: Poppleton Junior Football Club/ Poppleton Tigers, Weigh Together
Best Primary School Project
Winner: Poppleton Ousebank School
Runners-up: New Earswick Primary School, Hob Moor Oaks Primary School
Significant Achievement Award
York and District Under 13 football team
• Don't miss our special Community Pride Awards supplement in The Press on Tuesday
Making us proud
Last night saw the finals of the York Community Pride Awards.
Among the winners was Paisley Laws, the cerebral palsy sufferer who has won admiration for her strength and determination; and South Bank barber Brian Hughes, who set up the Taking The P race to raise money for the fight against cancer.
They, and the many other winners and nominees last night, serve as inspirations to the rest of us. Through their selflessness and courage, they bring credit to this city. Well done all.
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