Heroes recognised and rewarded

The Cumberland News Community Heroes Awards recognises the amazing work that goes on in our community - often unseen.

An audience of about 150 people attended the gala Superhero event at Carlisle Racecourse where 10 people were rewarded for their efforts - many of them children.

Chris Story, editor of The Cumberland News, welcomed guests to the evening.

He said: “The evening is one of the highlights of our year as we recognise and reward the heroes in our community.”

Host Jonathan Higgins said: “It is a huge privilege for me to be asked to host The Cumberland News’ Community Heroes Awards 2019. I am here tonight in place of my dear friend and colleague John Myers, who we sadly lost a few weeks ago.

“Like me, John was a Carlisle lad - and, like me, he was immensely proud of our city and county and all of the individuals who make a remarkable difference to the lives of those around them.

“It’s both humbling and inspiring to hear the many stories of individual heroism. Congratulations to all of the nominees, I hope you all enjoy this very special evening.”

Carer of the year went to a six-year-old Lottie Donohue.

Lottie looks after her severely disabled brother Jack, who is nine.

Her nominee said: “Lottie is devoted to Jack and spends her time reading to him, telling him about her day and helping care for him.

“Lottie has grown up caring for Jack who requires 24 hour care and spends frequent prolonged periods in hospital.

“In hospital Lottie spends her time reading to Jack while always holding his hand. She writes him letters and draws him pictures to tell him how amazing he is.

“Lottie is wise and caring way beyond her years and is a loving and devoted carer to Jack.”

The Andrews family, of Stainton Gardens, Etterby, were finalists in this category. They cared for their son and brother Harley, who died in April, aged just 16.

This year’s Good neighbour of the year award went to Brian English.

The old ladies near where he lives - in the west of Carlisle - say he is always smiling and helping others.

He loves gardening and tidying up other people’s gardens and is keen to do odd jobs around their homes, if needed.

Although he has arthritis himself, his friends and neighbours say that doesn’t stop him.

Ada Wood, 13, won the Young Achiever of the year award.

She has protested locally about climate change as part of the Youth Strike 4 Climate group.

Her nominee said: “Ada has worked tirelessly, with a maturity beyond her years, in campaigning and bringing awareness of the the issues and challenges of our climate crisis.

“This young girl is making a stand to help everyone and her planet.”

The finalists in this category were six-year-old Emily Graham and eight-year-old Molly Rose McLean.

The Sporting hero award went to David Morton, secretary of Carlisle Rugby Club.

Mr Morton has been involved in rugby for many years, firstly as secretary and fixture secretary of Cumbria Police for more than 25 years.

In 1993, he was registered blind as a consequence of a genetic and degenerative eye disease, but that hasn’t stopped David.

Upon leaving the police force that year, he became the fixture and match secretary at Carlisle RFC for almost 14 years, and after relinquishing that post, he has been the club honorary secretary at the club now for more than a decade.

It’s all the more remarkable because, since 2008, David has been using a guide dog to help him get out and about to continue with his rugby duties and once again played his role last season as Carlisle stormed to the North One West title.

The finalists in this category were footballer and Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger and Mark Davidson, Carlisle Cricket Club honorary secretary.

The best community project went to the Rock Youth Project in Currock.

The Rock works with seven to 19-year-olds. They provide youth clubs and school holiday activities all free of charge in their local community of Currock and Upperby.

The staff work really hard giving children the chance to go somewhere that is safe and giving them positive things to do. The project has been running for 12 years and has worked with hundreds of young people.

They also co-ordinate and the Summer Splash Scheme which takes place every summer across the city.

The finalist in this category was Cornerstone in Denton Holme.

The Unsung hero award went to Ann Ford.

Ann is helping to change things for the better for girls and young women in Carlisle by tackling the issue of period poverty.

She started a project enabling women to access sanitary items for free - a small difference making a big impact in the lives of young people.

Finalists in this category were Catherine Hadden and Cath Johnston.

Philip Thompson was named Volunteer of the year.

He has recently retired from St John Ambulance after volunteering with the organisation for more than 60 years. During his time volunteering for SJA, he held many roles within the local unit, the last of which was unit leader - overseeing all day to day running of the local unit.

Finalists in this category were Rebecca Aitken from Cumbria Mencap and Luke Reid of Carlisle Youth Zone.

Sheila Gregory, chief executive officer of Carlisle Mencap, was voted Person of the year. Her role is not just a job, it’s her life. She is determined to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Finalists were Jodie Vasquez and Nikki Butterworth.