SUPPORTING children with disabilities, recruiting volunteers and mentoring young people is more than just a day job for the winner of the Contribution to the Community award.

There were huge cheers and plenty of tears from a crowd of colleagues as Navtej Singh Sibia – known as Nuvvy to friends and co-workers – collected his trophy at the Warrington Guardian's Inspiration awards on Thursday.

Described by colleagues as ‘selfless, compassionate and modest’, the Warrington Youth Club volunteer co-ordinator and head of the Buddy Up programme was true to form in dedicating the award to his team.

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He said: “I work with some amazing people and for them it’s not just a job, it’s not just clock watching, it’s not just about nine to five. It’s about making an impact on the hearts and minds of young people. It’s not just changing lives, it’s saving lives. This really should be for my colleagues because without those guys I wouldn’t be up here, simple as that.

“They are without a doubt the most selfless people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. I always say to them that in this job we have the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of so many young people, parents and carers. With some of the young people and families we work with, sometimes we’re their last hope, but for my colleagues this just what they do day in, day out.

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“They are some of the funniest, humblest and most compassionate people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. They inspire me daily. I felt a fraud up there because I felt they should have been with me too.”

Nuvvy brought a large group of supporters to the event at the Village Hotel – many sporting masks with his image on them.

Lisa Culverhouse, who nominated Nuvvy, added: “The minute I met him, he took my breath away with what he does for other people. It’s not only young people, it’s everyone he meets. If everyone was like him, we wouldn’t have any problems in the world.”

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