Tell us about the inspirational people living in Warrington

There were tears of sadness followed by tears of joy as the father-of-two collected the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Award for courage.

His children – Keeva and Logan – joined him on stage at The Village Hotel to pick up the honour.

Do you know someone who has shown real bravery or courage?

Have they overcome adversity in their personal lives or gone beyond the call of duty by risking their own safety to help others?

The Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards are back for 2024 and we want to hear from you about the people who deserve to be recognised this year.

You now have until Friday, March 1 to tell us about your charity champions, health heroes and good neighbours in Warrington.

We want to hear about all the inspirational people, teams and organisations who make a difference in the lives of others living in the town.

Tell us your nominations for Warrington’s most hardworking and inspirational residents.

The glittering awards ceremony will be held at The Village Hotel on Thursday, April 25 hosted by breakfast radio presenter Leanne Campbell.

There will be a dozen dazzling awards given out on the night to honouring the positive people living and working at the centre of our community and recognising their hard work, determination and acts of kindness.

Award winner Russell Scanlon with Keeva and Logan, Steve McGuirk, Warrington & Halton NHS Trust Chairman, and awards host Leanne Campbell

Like Russell Scanlon.

When he collected his award at last year’s event, Russell paid tribute to his late wife Debbie, thanking her for giving him the courage to carry on after her death.

Russell and his family, who live in Winwick, were faced with unimaginable grief following the loss of his wife Debbie in December 2021.

In May 2020, Debbie was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and was told the devastating news that she had between 18 months and two years to live.

Debbie had been due to undergo a hysterectomy following years of suffering from endometriosis but scans before the surgery revealed masses in her bowel, pancreas and lungs.

Although she later underwent surgery to remove several tumours following chemotherapy, her health sadly declined.

In September 2021, the cancer had spread to her bone, and after Debbie collapsed at home two months later, doctors found three further brain tumours.

She died in Russ’ arms on December 18, 2021 aged 48, after developing a blood clot.

After Debbie passed away, Russ raised an incredible £40,000 for charity climbing mountains, riding bikes and jumping out of aeroplanes while raising awareness of cancer.

One of the many nominations we received for Russ called him “a real superstar”, “a truly remarkable man” and “an inspiration”.

Do you know someone as inspirational as Russell? Would you like to nominate someone or a group of people for our next awards?

There are 12 categories honouring the most inspirational people living in Warrington and we need your nominations.

HOW TO NOMINATE: See our list of award categories below and then CLICK HERE TO FILL IN AN ENTRY FORM or scan the QR code.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 1.

Scan the QR code (Image: Newsquest)

For your nomination to be considered please include your name and full contact details, along with those of the person, business or organisation you are nominating, the name of the category and your full reasons for nominating them.

If you would like your business or organisation to be part of the event and sponsor one of our awards alongside our main partner Warrington Borough Council, please email nikki.whinnett@localiq.co.uk for further information.

Here are the 12 categories set to be awarded on the night:

1. SPORTSPERSON / SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

We want to hear about the achievements of Warrington’s finest, either in their field of expertise or in furthering sport in the community. Nominations are welcome for both adults and junior achievers.

2. 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.

3. EVERYDAY HERO AWARD sponsored by Belong

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.

4. FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

5. JUNIOR FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

We want to hear about those who have committed to raising money or giving time to a good cause. Nominations are welcome for individuals or groups and there will be separate awards for adults and youngsters.

6. CHILD/TEENAGER OF THE YEAR

This year’s winner will be for 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.

7. HEALTH HERO OF THE YEAR

We are 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.

8. 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.

9. COURAGE AWARD

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 could be received for an individual, team or emergency services workers.

10. CHARITY OF THE YEAR

We are 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.

11. TEAM OF THE YEAR

We want to celebrate a team that has achieved success by working together. Nominations can be received from all walks of life, from schools and businesses to hospital departments and voluntary groups.

12. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT sponsored by Warrington Borough Council

A prestigious award for the person who has made an outstanding contribution in Warrington over several years.

(Please note that our judges will also have the discretion to present further special recognition awards on the night)