THE Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards are back and the shortlisted finalists have been revealed ahead of a glittering ceremony next week.
We were inundated with nominations for children, teachers, volunteers and community leaders, all of which would be worthy winners of the awards.
Now in its eighth year, the Inspiration Awards will take place at The Village Hotel as we honour the people who make a difference to our town.
The last time the Inspiration Awards took place was in 2019, pre-Covid, and over the past four years the Warrington Guardian has continued to support local businesses, charities and schools by highlighting their hard work and achievements, with record numbers of nominations for our Lockdown Heroes Awards in 2021 and the Education Awards in April last year.
Following a difficult few years due to the Covid pandemic, residents and businesses now face additional challenges with the current cost of living crisis so we wanted to recognise the inspirational people, teams and organisations in our town who make a difference to the lives of others.
Charity champions and health heroes together with good neighbours and terrific teachers will be honoured on Thursday evening, March 16, with Radio City DJ Leanne Campbell presenting the awards.
Warrington Guardian editor Richard Duggan said: “Our Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards are always incredibly emotional and extremely humbling and this year’s event will be no exception.
“Each week, we highlight the fantastic work carried out in our communities by volunteers, fundraisers and dedicated individuals who go above and beyond for so many of Warrington’s worthwhile causes.
“This year we were inundated with nominations for all 12 categories and each one was read and considered by our judging panel, who were hugely impressed by the quality of entries.
“Making the final decisions and choosing the winners from such strong shortlists was extremely challenging.
“Congratulations to all 32 finalists.”
He added: “The support of our sponsors is invaluable to the staging of such a high-profile event in the town, so a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
There are 12 categories, ten of which have three inspirational shortlisted nominees all hoping to take home an award.
The Child or Teenager of the Year Award, sponsored by Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Warrington Borough Council, do not have a shortlist and will be revealed on the night together with the Judges’ Special Achievement Award.
Here are the other 10 categories with the shortlisted finalists:
SPORTSPERSON/SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Warrington Guardian
We wanted to hear about the achievements of Warrington’s finest, either in their field of expertise or in furthering sport in the community. Nominations were welcome for both adults and junior achievers.
- Khovan Hussein
- Bank Quay Bulls U14s
- Alexandra Wilcock - AJ Stars
CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY sponsored by Sellafield Ltd
This award is for an individual or organisation in the town that has made a significant contribution to the community.
- Carol Kilgannon
- Roni Noble
- Chris Judge
EVERYDAY HERO AWARD sponsored by Warrington Guardian
This award recognises those who put others first, keep spirits high with people they meet and make a difference to the lives of those in their neighbourhood or the street they live in through their kindness and compassion.
- Karin Snape
- Pauline Davis
- Enjoy Football
FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR LOCALiQ
We wanted to hear about those who have committed to raising money or who gave time to a good cause. Nominations were welcome for individuals or groups.
- Harvey Ackerley
- Alana Bradshaw
- Matthew Hennessey
JUNIOR FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR Zoomin Leaflets
As with the fundraiser of the year category, we wanted to hear about those who have committed to raising money or who gave time to a good cause. But we wanted to give a separate award to honour the work of children or teenagers in Warrington.
- Ivy Scott
- Lennie White
- Harrison Rylands
NHS/HEALTH HERO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Assura
We were looking for an unsung hero working or volunteering within a hospital, surgery or health environment who has shown exceptional care or contributed to making someone’s visit or stay more enjoyable.
- Barbara Hayward
- Joanne MacGlashan
- Jamie Ashton
EDUCATION HERO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Chester University
This award will recognise those working in schools and colleges across Warrington, from teachers and head teachers to support staff and governors.
- Bethan Law
- Chris Hunt
- Christine Stanley
COURAGE AWARD sponsored by Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust This award is to honour those who have either overcome adversity in their personal lives or gone beyond the call of duty, perhaps by risking their own safety to help others.
Nominations were received for individuals, teams or emergency services workers.
- Russell Scanlon
- Simon Caulfield
- Vivienne Driver
CHARITY OF THE YEAR sponsored by Warrington Council
We were looking to recognise a Warrington charity that has been committed in its efforts to helping people in the town through its fundraising and tireless community work.
- William’s Gift
- Shannon Bradshaw Trust
- ManTalk
TEAM OF THE YEAR sponsored by LOCALiQ
We wanted to celebrate a team that has achieved success by working together. Nominations were received from all walks of life, from schools and businesses to hospital departments and voluntary groups.
- Orford Jubilee Covid Vaccination Team
- Fairfield and Howley Litter Network
- Winwick Litter Network
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