WHAT an inspiration!

The town’s most inspirational people came together last Thursday evening to celebrate a year of success and honour the great and the good of Warrington.

The ninth annual Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards were held at The Village Hotel with a dozen awards handed out to individuals and teams who have made a real difference in the town.

Honours were given to top teachers and charity champions as well as community heroes and sporting stars and there were two top prizes revealed on the night – a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Courage Award.

Keith Inman has been a part of Warrington Hospital radio for the past 50 years and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Esther Ghey was given the Courage Award for her tireless work in creating a lasting legacy for her daughter Brianna, who was murdered in Culcheth in February 2023.

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

Warrington Guardian editor Richard Duggan said: “Our Inspiration Awards night is always a fantastic evening of celebration, full of emotion, and this year we honoured 32 fantastic nominees and gave out 12 awards.

“The Inspiration Awards aim to recognise the outstanding work carried out in our community by hard working and dedicated people.

“As ever, our judges had some difficult decisions as every single one of our nominees – individuals and teams – was shortlisted for being a true inspiration.

“They have all led the way in the fields of education and sport, charity fundraising and health and it was extremely tough to choose the winners.

“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.”

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

CHILD / TEENAGER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Christeyns

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: Violet Smith

Highly commended: Eimear Slee and Thomas Long-Moore

JUNIOR FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

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: Thomas Burrows

Highly commended: Harvey Goodman and Evie McCoy

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

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: Lee Kinsey

Highly commended: Alana Bradshaw and Steve Hughes

CHARITY OF THE YEAR sponsored by Warrington Guardian

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: Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity

Highly commended: Jump and Warrington VIP

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: Kate McCarthy-Booth

Highly commended: Tony Dixon and Longford Neighbourhood Services Charity

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: Stephen Burke

Highly commended: Emma Mills and Michelle Withnall and Emma Woodall

SPORTSPERSON/SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Jackson Fire and Security

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: Great Sankey High School Year 7 boys football team

Highly commended: Esme Heavy and Martyn Leech

HEALTH HERO OF THE YEAR sponsored by CHEC Warrington

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: Team Lunar (Home Birth Team) at Warrington Hospital

Highly commended: Dr Lucy Hyland and Mike Shaw

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.

Winner: Janet Adamson

Highly commended: Rachel Munn and John Lewis

COURAGE AWARD sponsored by Redwood Bank

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: Esther Ghey

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: The Ukrainian Family Hub

Highly commended: Warrington Man V Fat and Knox & Son Funeral Directors

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: Keith Inman