Award event to take pride in borough

BUSINESSES across Merseyside have shown their support for local heroes by sponsoring every category in the 2023 Pride Of Sefton Awards.

The inaugural event will be a glittering celebration of the very best in our local communities.

People and groups who go above and beyond to make Sefton a special place for all will be presented with their trophies and given thanks in the Princess Grace Suite at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport town centre on Friday, April 28.

The unmissable night in the Merseyside events calendar will be presented by well-known actress and radio presenter Claire Simmo.

All those on the shortlist will be invited to a special celebratory meal in beautiful surroundings while the awards are presented, with a night of entertainment planned.

The first ever Pride Of Sefton Awards are being organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport.

Nominations are still being invited across all 13 categories ahead of the closing date on March 6.

If you would like to nominate someone please email: MediaAndrewBrown@gmail.com

Mikhail Hotel and Leisure chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “We are looking forward to celebrating all that is good in Sefton and together with Stand up for Southport, we are delighted to be able to offer a platform that will celebrate this.

“We would like to thank all the businesses which have come on board to support our first Pride Of Sefton Awards. This very special event could not happen without them.

“The awards evening is certain to be a spectacular occasion that will be memorable for all the right reasons.”

Stand Up For Southport founder Andrew Brown said: “We really appreciate all the businesses which have shown their support for this year’s Pride Of Sefton Awards.

“We would also like to thank all of you who have already sent us some incredible nominations – it is going to be a very tough job for the judging panel!

“We can’t wait to applaud some very special people who work so selflessly and tirelessly to make such a positive difference to our local communities.

“There is no better venue for it to take place than The Grand in Southport.

“It is going to be an event that people will never forget.”

A total of 13 awards will be given to those who give so selflessly for others.

Nominations are sought across Southport, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, Maghull and elsewhere in the borough in these categories:

1Main Award – Pride of Sefton (sponsored by The Grand)

The night’s premier award will salute a person or organisation who judges believe has made a truly inspiring or outstanding contribution to Sefton over the past two years.

2Diversity and Inclusion Award (sponsored by Sefton Council)

Sefton is a truly welcoming borough.

Southport BID Head of Operations Luke Randles; Stand Up For Southport Founder Andrew Brown; Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Head of Marketing and Communications Amanda Provan; and Mikhail Hotel owner Andrew Mikhail We’d love to hear about those who have gone out of their way to promote diversity and inclusion within the area.

3Sefton Arts Award (sponsored by Fitton Estates)

Sefton wants to shout loud and proud about those who have achieved remarkable things in the world of stage, screen, and music.

4Charity Champion Award sponsored by Communication Plus)

Charities local and nationally survive and thrive on the cash raised by big-hearted fundraisers. And they have really needed it in these tough times.

5Child of Courage Award (sponsored by Southport Pleasureland)

Nominees who have shown immense courage in the face of adversity. Courage comes in different shapes – is it a child who has battled illness, performed an act of bravery or done something truly remarkable while up against the odds?

6Courage Award (sponsored by Lloyds Bank)

Many tales of the heroism, courage or bravery of people from Sefton go untold – and we’d like to change that. Nominees could have performed a dramatic rescue or maybe they’ve overcome illness or injury to record inspiring achievements.

7Unsung Hero Award (sponsored by Exceptional Care & Think Tank Academy)

Tell us about the person who makes a huge difference to the borough’s communities, organisations or teams but who rarely gets a spot in the limelight.

8Community Impact Award (sponsored by Forth Homes)

Which person or organisation has had the biggest positive impact on their community? How have they made Sefton a better place or helped people? Have they used their heart as well as their business head to serve their area?

9Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Solarcrown Commercial)

Whose achievements in the sporting arena have been the brightest over the past two years?

We want nominations from all sporting fields – from amateurs to professionals, and from coaches to players.

10Young Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by DT Hughes)

Which of Sefton’s sporting juniors have recorded the biggest achievement? Nominees must not have reached their 19th birthday by March 1.