Do you know an inspirational charity champion or health hero?

And just a few days later, she was presented with the Contribution to the Community Award at the glittering event at The Village Hotel.

Carol has been working tirelessly in the local community for 20 years so it’s no surprise that she is “loved and cherished by everyone” having helped hundreds and thousands of people, volunteering and giving up her spare time.

Carol was one of more than a dozen winners of our Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2023 and we want to give out some more glittering honours at this year’s event.

Radio presenter Leanne Campbell will be hosting the awards ceremony at The Village Hotel on Thursday, April 25.

Do you know someone who deserves to be nominated for a 2024 award?

Or would you like to nominate a member of the community who has shown tremendous courage over the past 12 months?

A dozen of Warrington’s most inspirational individuals, groups and teams will be recognised for their hard work and determination.

The awards will be handed out to charity champions, health heroes and good neighbours at our annual Inspiration Awards.

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.

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?

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

Like Carol Kilgannon.

Contribution to the Community 2023 winner Carol Kilgannon with Sellafield's Stephen Barnes and radio presenter Leanne Campbell

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, together with a friend she set up Helping Hand Orford, Poplars and Hulme, which is now Helping Hands Changing Lives CIC.

They supplied local people with basic items that weren’t readily available in the shops – toilet rolls, pasta, fresh loaves of bread – and it gathered pace.

The nomination for Carol to win an award read: “The group snowballed and now has around 30 volunteers all led by Carol – it’s amazing.”

Carol created Little Pickers, a group of children wanting to improve the local area by picking up litter, and she’s organised Halloween and Christmas parties for the youngsters.

Another nomination said: “Carol is well known for her contribution to the local community and so many people have benefitted from her kindness and generosity.

“Nothing is too much trouble – she’s even been out in her dinghy delivering essential supplies when areas of Warrington flooded in 2021.

“It’s a privilege to know Carol and she is loved and cherished by everyone in the community.”

Picking up the award, Carol said: “I don’t feel like an inspiration.

“Volunteering comes from the heart and it’s about thinking about other people who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

There are 12 categories aimed at 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 below.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 1.

Scan the QR code to make a nomination

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)