IT was an emotional evening yesterday, Thursday, as the Warrington Guardian held its annual Inspiration Awards.

The night, held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, celebrated the town's community champions, giving out awards in 12 categories.

READ MORE Inspiration Awards as it happened

Here are the winners and the highly commended on the night.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR >

Winner: John Leonard, assistant head at Sir Thomas Boteler High School

 

Judges said: "A true professional, his efforts have been instrumental in making the school’s pastoral care system one of the most successful, ensuring pupils are truly cared for during what can often be a difficult transition into adulthood, while his leadership role has also helped transform the school into one of the most improved in the country."

Highly commended: Alison Stokes, Jon Leatherbarrow

HOSPITAL HERO >

Winner: Dr Ahmed Farag, Warrington Hospital cardiologist

 

Judges said: "A gentleman as well as a role model, Dr Farag is leading the way in showing the children of Warrington that they have the power to make a difference to the health of generations to come."

Highly commended: Fran Clipperton, Cheshire and Merseyside Blood Bikes and joint nominees Maureen Thorniley and Margot Ellis

CARER OF THE YEAR >

Winner: Wyn Higham, former chair of Warrington Carers Centre

 

Judges said: "Her contribution both here and further afield is outstanding. A true community champion.

Highly commended: Ben Ashton, Kay Briody

YOUNG CHARITY CHAMPION >

Winner: Ruby Peters, Woolston Primary School pupil

 

Judges said: "A little girl with a huge heart and her family could not be more proud of her."

CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY >

Winner: Susan Blyth, head of Room at the Inn

 

Judges said: "Because of her concerted efforts over the years many have now moved on with their lives and are making a valuable contribution to society. Susan is described as a powerhouse and an inspiration to all."

Highly commended: Philip Hicken, Alan Williams

SPORTSPERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR >

Winner: Warrington Wolves PDRL team, 2018 world champions

 

Judges said: "Described by Hollywood legend Russell Crowe as the ‘pride of Warrington’, their storming victory against Sydney Rabbitohs has inspired many rugby league fans in Australia as well as closer to home."

Highly commended: Nick Jones, Tara Jones

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR >

Winner: Abbie McGann, from the Free Food Warrington Facebook

 

Judges said: "A one of a kind with a selfless attitude, her efforts are a lifeline to those in need."

Highly commended: Margaret Newton and Laura Hindmarsh

CHARITY CHAMPION > Winner: Alana Bradshaw, from the Shannon Bradshaw Trust

 

Judges said: "The charity would not be able to run without her but those who nominated her say she never expects thanks. Alana does it all in her sister Shannon’s memory and for other poorly children that the charity continues to help each and every day."

Highly commended: Helen Higginson, Beth Trainer

JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR >

Winner: Robyn Harrison, half marathon inspiration

 

Judges said: "Her family say she never moans, complains or makes any excuses for her disabilities – she just does her best with what she has been given.

"A shining example of This Girl Can."

CHARITY OF THE YEAR >

Winner: The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation

 

Judges said: "The charity has helped countless children and adults affected by terror atrocities – including more recently following the Manchester attack – providing them with invaluable support no matter what time of day, and showing them how to overcome fear and trauma after a major tragedy."

Highly commended: The Warrington Wolves Foundation, Warrington Lions, Room At The Inn – The Y Project and Warrington Disability Partnership – Disability Awareness Day

SPECIAL AWARD – UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT >

Winner: Nick Taylor, chief executive, of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation 

 

Mr Taylor has been associated with the Peace Centre for almost 25 years, working to help build the centre in 2000 as part of a secondment from his job at United Utilities, going on to become a trustee before taking over as chief executive eight years ago.

Colin Parry said the charity would not be where it was today without his contribution.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD >

Winner: Richard Briggs, consultant paediatrician at Warrington Hospital

 

In the 70th year of the NHS, Dr Richard Briggs completes a massive 51 years in the NHS.

For the past 28 years he has been working at Warrington Hospital and is now director of medical education where he is responsible for the training and education of new doctors and physician associates as well as his ‘day job’ where he is a paediatrician, specialising in allergies.

Richard is an absolute inspiration to his trainees as he has embraced the monumental changes in healthcare over the years – coupled with changes in technology and working practices