Tyne pride - they’re what makes the North East GREAT
THE bravest and best our region has to offer have been honoured at The Chronicle’s Pride of the North East awards.
At a ceremony at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, which was attended by some of the area’s biggest stars, inspiring people were given the praise they deserved.
From those who’ve helped others in the face of grief and trauma to those who make our communities the wonderful places they are, this year’s Pride of the North East award should make us all proud.
Stars such as Denise Welch, Tim Healy, Joe McElderry and Newcastle United players Dwight Gayle and Karl Darlow were among the big-name celebrities to attend.
And it was a night those we value the most in the North East were given the credit they deserve.
Mother and daughter Lynne Davis and Cheryl McDonald, who have been dubbed “angels in the community”, were recognised for their tireless fundraising.
They received the TSB Community Partner Award for their incredible campaign to raise £130,000 in four years for good causes.
A father who responded to his son’s battle against a deadly heart condition by pushing himself to the limit for the doctors who saved him won the Fundraiser of the Year award.
Ivan Hollingsworth, 42, of Whitley Bay, has carried out countless gruelling challenges to raise £500,000 in nine years for the Children’s Heart Unit at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
Determined nine-year-old Callum Lane-Tingle, of Fairfield, Stockton, was also recognised for this Herculean fundraising efforts.
He has raised a remarkable £15,000 in just 11 months since discovering his dad Andy has terminal kidney cancer.
Sgt Elliott Richardson and PCs Sarah Currie and Michael Otterson scooped the Emergency Services award for heroically stopping a violent attacker with a history of schizophrenia and paranoia who travelled to a pub with a stash of weapons.
The trio tackled the man to the ground at The Eagle in Leam Lane and wrestled a gun from him, putting themselves in the way of serious harm. They prevented what could have been a horrific situation. Two handguns, a crossbow, a pack of throwing knives, home-made petrol bombs, smoke grenades and a baseball bat were all found inside the man’s bag. And a Gateshead boxing coach who ran towards danger during a terrorist attack at the Palace of Westminster in March 2017 received the Outstanding Bravery award. Tony Davis inspired the nation when he battled to save critically injured police officer Keith Palmer. Two very special young people have both been recognised with Child of Courage awards for their heroics and inspiring attitudes. Blake Stephenson, 10, from County Durham, spotted a young boy lying at the bottom of a swimming pool during a holiday in France. He sprung into action without hesitation and dragged him to the surface.
Emily Owen, 11, could have hidden herself away after she was left with horrific facial injuries when an aerosol can exploded in a bonfire and left her needing surgery.
But she overcame the trauma and became a passionate fundraiser and someone who uses her experiences to inspire others.
As well as raising money for the charity Changing Faces, Emily’s makeup YouTube channel is a source of comfort and advice for young girls going through similarly tough times.
There were also a number of Special Recognition awards for those who have helped our communities.
A North Tyneside mum-of-10 with a heart of gold received one for going over and above for those who need it the most.
Lynn McManus, 57, set up the Tim Lamb Children’s Centre in North Tyneside in 2012, after raising £400,000 with her charity Pathways4all. She found about the surprise honour when Denise Welch dropped in unannounced and gave her the news that her hard work was finally being recognised.
The West End Food Bank – which hands out £10,000 worth of foodstuffs to 1,000 people every week – helps sustain those in our community with the least.
Set up in 2013 by Michael Nixon and his late friend Steve Metcalfe, the food bank is now the busiest in the UK.
Pete Woodmansey is living proof that doing little things for those around you can help make a community richer for everyone.
The 82-year-old from Darlington retired from his job as a street sweeper 17 years ago but “Pete the Sweep” is still out there every day, helping to clean the streets and make the town a better place for all.
When Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford were killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, their parents could have been forgiven for withdrawing into their shells.
Instead, Lisa and Mark Rutherford and Caroline Curry set up the Together Forever Trust to provide talented youngsters with a passion for music and sports fulfil their potential.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Graham Wylie – a businessman who has it all but has given plenty back.
The 58-year-old co-founded Sage Group, which employs thousands of people in the region and beyond, and threw himself into charity work after his newborn daughter needed heart surgery in 2010.
As well as raising money for Children’s Heart Unit Fund, he set up the Graham Wylie Foundation, which awards grants to those who help the most vulnerable and needy children in our region.
Congratulations to all of our inspiring winners – and thank you for the work you do.
It was a night those we value the most in the North East were given the credit they deserve