Celebrating our true local heroes
INSPIRATIONAL people and groups from Southport and West Lancashire were recognised with awards at Your Heroes 2018.
The Visiter and Advertiser were privileged to share the company of some amazing people at the 11th annual awards, which is sponsored by the ScottishPower Foundation.
The event took place on Wednesday evening, January 24, at the Ramada Plaza in Southport.
Maya Turner, a four-year-old girl from Burscough who saved her mum’s life by phoning an ambulance when she collapsed, was recognised with the top Hero of Heroes award.
Fifteen awards were given out to recipients in the categories of Schools, Young Heroes, Sporting Heroes, Teams, Special Recognition and Individuals.
Visiter and Advertiser Editorin-Chief Alastair Machray and Executive Editor Chris Walker attended, along with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of West Lancashire, Cllr Noel Delaney and Ann Stubbert, while Sandgrounder Radio’s Neil Newton hosted the evening.
The deputy mayor and mayoress said: “This has been a fantastic evening, we have really been moved by the stories shared.” Many people who were being honoured came along with family and friends to celebrate.
One example of this is Rick Halsall, 58, from Southport, who was recognised for raising almost £90,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust after his wife, Carol, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005.
The couple were joined by eight friends, some of whom completed fundraising tasks with Rick.
Carol said: “We were shocked when we found out about the award, but I am really proud.
“It is great that Rick has done so much for the MS Trust, it’s a charity close to our hearts.”
The awards were presented on stage by Ann McKechin, trustee and executive officer of the ScottishPower Foundation.
She said: “Your Heroes Awards provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the unrecognised work within our community.
“We are delighted to be again sponsoring the event, now in its 11th year, and offer many congratulations to all the award winners.”