THE great and the good and the most inspirational people of Warrington came together on Thursday night, March 16, to celebrate a year of success.

A glittering ceremony marked the eighth annual Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards at The Village Hotel with a dozen awards handed out to people who have made a difference in our town.

Judges honoured top teachers and charity champions as well as community heroes and sporting stars and there were three top prizes revealed on the night – a Lifetime Achievement Award, a Judges’ Special Achievement Award and the Child / Teenager of the Year Award.

Warrington Lions Tony Gandy was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award after spending decades supporting charities and community groups.

He dons the famous red and white suit to become Warrington Lions’ Father Christmas each year and travels around Warrington on his sleigh.

Amy Snell took home the Teenager of the Year Award after looking after and caring for her mum for the past two years, visiting her every day in hospital and at Padgate House.

The Judges’ Special Achievement Award went to Aneeshwar Kunchala after he performed in front of more than a hundred guests at the event.

Read more about Aneeshwar here

Aneeshwar, who has been hailed as a mini David Attenborough, reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent last June and received a British Youth Award in October.

The ceremony was presented by Radio City DJ Leanne Campbell and Warrington Mayor Cllr Jean Flaherty was in attendance.

Warrington Guardian editor Richard Duggan said: “Our Inspiration Awards are always a memorable evening but this year was particularly special as we honoured 32 fantastic nominees and gave out 13 awards.

“The awards ceremony recognises the incredible work carried out by so many hard working and dedicated people in Warrington.

“Our judges had some difficult decisions to make as every single person or group nominated  is a true inspiration, leading the way in education and sport, charity fundraising and health.

“Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you do.”

Richard added: “Huge congratulations to all our winners and thank you to our sponsors, without whom the night would not be possible.”

Pick up a copy of next week's Warrington Guardian, which will have a special 12-page Inspiration Awards supplement featuring all of tonight's winners.

Here are all the winners of this year’s Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards

 

CHILD / TEENAGER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We wanted to honour a youngster who has either battled against the odds to help others, been an outstanding achiever in their studies or extra-curricular activities or put themselves at risk to help someone less fortunate or in danger.

Winner: Amy Snell

 

JUNIOR FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR sponsored by 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.

Winner: Lennie White

Highly commended: Ivy Scott and Harrison Rylands

Read more about Lennie here

 

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR sponsored by 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.]

Winner: Harvey Ackerley

Highly commended: Alana Bradshaw and Matthew Hennessey

Read more about Harvey here

 

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.

Winner: Shannon Bradshaw Trust

Highly commended: William’s Gift and ManTalk

 

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.

Winner: Carol Kilgannon

Highly commended: Roni Noble and Chris Judge

Read more about Carol here

 

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.

Winner: Christine Stanley

Highly commended: Chris Hunt and Bethan Law

 

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.

Winner: Khovan Hussein

Highly commended: Bank Quay Bulls U14s and Alexandra Wilcock from AJ Stars

Read more about Khovan here

 

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.

Winner: Barbara Hayward

Highly commended: Joanne MacGlashan and Jamie Ashton

 

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.

Winner: Pauline Davis

Highly commended: Karin Snape and Enjoy Football

 

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.

Winner: Russell Scanlon

Highly commended: Simon Caulfield and Vivienne Driver

Read more about Russell here

 

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.   

Winner: Orford Jubilee Covid Vaccination Team

Highly commended: Fairfield and Howley Litter Network and Winwick Litter Network

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD sponsored by Warrington Borough Council

This prestigious award would go to a person who has made an outstanding contribution in Warrington over a number of years.
Winner: Tony Gandy

Read more about Tony here

 

JUDGES’ SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD sponsored by Warrington Guardian

Winner: Aneeshwar Kunchala