West Cumbria Community Heroes Awards 2017 shortlist revealed

It was no easy task but the panel have drawn up a shortlist of people who will be invited to a glitzy ceremony at Workington Leisure Centre on Friday, December 1, when the winners will be announced.

The awards are being run by The Whitehaven News, the Times & Star and our sister organisation cnevents, in association with Allerdale Borough Council.

Carer of the Year – sponsored by Westinghouse

Andrew Green: His nominator said Andrew, who works at Unity in Workington, goes above and beyond his paid daily work. He set up a group in his spare time and obtained funding funding so he could take group members out for weekend trips.

Autism Around the Combe: Set up to help parents and carers of autistic individuals in an isolated community, the organisation, near Millom, supports more than 70 families in 11 towns and villages. It provides peer support, free activities, outings and training sessions for families and aims to raise the profile of autism.

Young Carer of the Year – sponsored by Westinghouse

Harry Fisher: Harry’s mum, Alison Robinson, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago, when he was five. She says since that time, he has helped around the house and he also helps with his little sister both at home and at school.

“He’s a real little gem,” she says, “and so loving and caring.”

Good Neighbour of the Year – sponsored by LLWR

Bev Barnes: Bev is an A&E nurse at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. While she was off duty, she acted quickly and successfully resuscitated her neighbour who was having a cardiac arrest, which allowed him to be stabilised and transferred to hospital.

Her workmates nominated her and said: “We all feel she deserves recognition and we are all very proud of her.”

Barry Chambers: Barry is a health and safety officer for Allerdale council and his responsibilities include flood protection. His nominators said he goes above and beyond his day-to-day duties and inspires his workforce.

Carl Walmsley: Carl “has bettered the lives of hundreds around Mirehouse,” say his nominators. The dad-of-four founded #mirehousematters, created projects for the estate’s youngsters and elderly, is opening a community gym and helps everyone who needs it.

Young Achiever of the Year – sponsored by Balfour Beatty

Amy Ellery: Amy, of Seascale, died earlier this year. Despite fighting cancer, she raised around £20,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Her nominator said: “She had such courage and wanted to help other people along the way, rather than just thinking about herself.”

Luke Johnston: Luke, of Whitehaven, was inspired by his battle with depression to speak out about it to help other young people in his situation to get help and not face it alone. His nominator said: “He is a role model for other people, showing them it is possible to come out the other end.”

Katy Kerr: Katy, of Keswick, is 12. She organised and completed a 10-mile sponsored walk in memory of her great-grandmother for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and raised £161.50.

Young Sporting Hero of the Year – sponsored by Myers & Bowman

Oliver Dustin: At just 16, Oliver is a middle distance runner and has won numerous races including the English Schools 800m, represented England and finished 11th in Europe for over 800m and 16th in Europe for 1500m.

Jonny Edgar: Jonny is the European Kart World Champion at only 13 years old. He is one of the youngest drivers to win it and follows in the footsteps of Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. His nominator said Jonny is destined for great things.

James McGown: James is an integral part of Keswick Cricket Club and has been studying for his England and Wales (ECB) level two coaching award. His nominator described him as “an old head on young shoulders”.

Sporting Hero of the Year – sponsored by Allerdale Borough Council

Chris Hodgson: Chris is the 12-time British Motocross champion and has been called up to represent Great Britain. He decided to challenge himself further and competed in the tough American Motorcyclist Association Supermoto National Championship Series. His nominator said: “He is at the top of his sport and deserves recognition for the sheer number of titles, his representative honours and the fact that he is always willing to set himself new challenges.”

Luke Reeson: When he was a soldier, Luke was shot twice while on tour in Afghanistan. He nearly lost his leg and now has to wear a leg brace developed in America.

He was always a competitive sportsman and now excels in swimming. At the Invictus Games, he won a gold medal and two silver medals.

Chris Wright: Chris runs Chance Camp, holiday coaching camps for youngsters to encourage them to get into sport. He also sponsors local youngsters who show exceptional talent.

His nominator said: “Chris and his team make it a joy for the kids to take part in a variety of events, sporting day camps and activities that get them outdoors. He is passionate about encouraging next generation of healthy kids.”

Unsung Hero of the Year – sponsored by NRL

Ian Johnston: Ian is a dedicated fundraiser, trustee and volunteer. He is president of Workington Rotary, was a member of Workington Round Table, is a life member of Workington and District Amateur Musical Society and a founder member of Lakeland Opera. He was instrumental in setting up the Carnegie Theatre Trust.

His nominator said: “Ian doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He has never learned to say no!”

Alan Stubbs: Alan works for FCC and is a familiar sight around Maryport, where he is a street cleaner.

His nominator said: “Even when he has finished his shift, he carries on picking up litter on his way home. He’s an absolutely super street cleaner and Maryport loves him.”

Eric and Jessie Urquhart: Eric and Jessie are extremely active in their Whitehaven community.

They are a vital helping hand at the meetings of the Copeland Multiple Sclerosis Society, sell poppies for the Royal British Legion and deliver Christmas Day dinners to the vulnerable. They attend Cleator Moor Civic Hall to serve dinner on Christmas Day to people who would otherwise be alone.

Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by United Utilities

Margaret Kevern: Margaret is manager for the Samaritans shop in Whitehaven and manages its team of volunteers.

Her nominator said: “She takes real pride in her work. Margaret, through her commitment and diligence, is responsible for the major part of raising funds to enable the Samaritan branch to operate.”

Eric and Jessie Urquhart:

Eric and Jessie have volunteered for numerous organisations since they arrived in Whitehaven in the 1970s.

Eric was a founder member of Copeland Disability Forum in 1974 and is currently treasurer.

He is an active Lions member and Jessie is heavily involved in organising the carnival day in the park.

She was also a member of the hospital’s league of friends.

Their nominator said: “Copeland would be a far less pleasant place without them.”

Carl Walmsley: No job is too big for Carl, his nominators said. His genuine kindness means he would help anyone in need and has set up children’s groups and a sensory room.

Nominators said: “He is the most caring, generous man I know. He will do whatever he can to keep our community clean, safe and happy. He deserves to be recognised for the true hero he is.”

Young Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Iggesund

Cumbria Rungwe Link: Established in 1987, the organisation links West Cumbria with the Rungwe district in Tanzania.

Youngsters are given the opportunity to visit Rungwe on an exchange and hundreds have taken part and are still involved today.

Kate Moody: For the last two years, Kate has volunteered every week with the 2nd Cockermouth Rainbows. She plans the sessions,
helps lead them and her nominator said the girls love her.

She also volunteers with a guiding unit in the town and is currently planning and fundraising for a volunteering trip to India.

Her nominator said she was an exceptional role model for young girls.

We Will, Maryport: Eight Maryport youngsters have given up their free time to lead a campaign to combat suicide and mental health issues in a new project.

They are investigating the issues around mental health and how best to reach out to their peers.

Best Community Project of the Year – sponsored by NNL

Kie Park: Tracey Nicholson lost her son Kieran Goulding in the Keswick School bus crash. Over the past eight years, working with Lisa Macleod and a team of supporters, they have raised more than £250,000 to build and maintain a skatepark in Whitehaven in Kieran’s memory.

Knights of the Western Lakes: Run by Steven and Kirsty Rudd and Brian Hepson, Knights of the Western Lakes has raised more than £25,000 for local good causes and families who may be going through a tough time due to illness or bereavement.

It has a static caravan at Allonby so families can take a break that they might not be able to get.

Mirehouse Residents’ Group: The group aims to improve the quality of life for residents of all generations in the community and works with residents, schools and agencies to implement projects and events to enhance the neighbourhood.

Hundreds of people have got involved with events put on by the group.

Best Youth Community Project of the Year – sponsored by United Utilities

The Carnegie Music Centre: This project provides youngsters with the opportunity to develop musicianship helped by professionals. It aims to give young people the ability to create together and be proud of what they’ve achieved.

It is a chance to bond over a shared interest and help to communicate and build better relationships.

The Phoenix Youth Project: Annually, the project works with more than 500 eight to 19-year-olds in Cleator Moor, Frizington and Moor Row.

It aims to raise aspirations, encourage healthy lifestyles and develop positive behaviour.

It delivers youth clubs and several projects in partnership with other agencies.

It has had a positive effect on lowering instances of anti-social behaviour.

Rosehill Youth Theatre: Based at the Solway Hall in Whitehaven, Rosehill Youth Theatre has breathed new life into the venue and made it come alive with a range of events and productions.

The nominator said: “The youth theatre has given the Solway Hall back to the people of the area.”

West Cumbria Person of the Year – sponsored by Allerdale Borough Council

The recipient, or recipients, of this category will be revealed at the West Cumbria Community Heroes Awards ceremony at Workington Leisure Centre on the evening of Friday, December 1.