Time to stand up for the Pride of Sefton at awards
THE shortlist has been revealed for the 2023 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Everyone named in the event’s shortlist will be honoured at a glittering awards ceremony at The Grand in Southport on Friday, April 28.
There was an overwhelming response, with over 1,200 nominations from people in Southport, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, Maghull and elsewhere in the borough in 13 different categories.
The Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport, with welcome support from media partner In Demand Radio.
The ceremony will be hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo and television presenter Fraser Dainton, with entertainment from singer Kelly Bond and the band Soul Train.
Southport BID is sponsoring the drinks reception which will be held at the event.
Money raised on the night will go towards the ICU Steps charity and The Steve Prescott Foundation.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to nominate some truly special people from across Sefton for our first ever Pride Of Sefton Awards.
“We were overwhelmed with the response. The judging panel had an extremely difficult task putting together a shortlist from over 1,200 suggestions.
“The Pride Of Sefton Awards night at The Grand will be a really special night celebrating our local heroes who every day go above and beyond to help others.
“We are really looking forward to it,” he added.
Stand Up For Southport owner Andrew Brown said: “It has been very humbling to read so many stories of people and organisations going above and beyond to make a real difference to our community.
“We started these awards to really shine a light on the unsung heroes who do so much.
“This event would not be possible without our sponsors, we would like to thank everyone who has made it happen.”
●●This year’s shortlist is:
Main Award – Pride of Sefton (sponsored by The Grand) – a person or organisation who judges believe has made a truly inspiring or outstanding contribution to Sefton over the past two years.
David and Ann Cobham, Botanic Gardens Community Association;
Dr Karen Groves MBE, Queenscourt Hospice;
Kath Wilson, Southport Lifeboat.
Diversity and Inclusion Award (sponsored by Sefton Council) – those who have gone out of their way to promote diversity and inclusion within the area.
● Arden Cafe;
● Debbie-Lyn Connolly-Lloyd;
● Rebecca Woods, St Nicholas Primary School.
Sefton Arts Award (sponsored by Fitton Estates) – those who have achieved remarkable things in the world of stage, screen, and music.
● Hilda Blomley;
● Lee Mack;
● Mark Thompson.
Charity Champion Award (sponsored by Communication Plus).
● John Curd;
● Simon Davies;
● Kevin Dunne.
Child of Courage Award (sponsored by Southport Pleasureland).
● Jessica Dowle;
● Theo Graham;
Courage Award (sponsored by Lloyds Bank).
● Josh Cropper;
● David Jessop, Naomi Williams and Leanne Szabo, Birkdale Primary School;
Adele Roberts;
Unsung Hero Award (sponsored by Exceptional Care & Think Tank Academy) – the person who makes a huge difference to the borough’s communities, organisations or teams but who rarely gets a spot in the limelight.
● Ken Rouse;
● Dave Smith;
● Juliet Weston.
Community Impact Award (sponsored by Forth Homes).
● Jonathan Cunningham;
● Sean’s Place;
● Sefton Baby Baskets.
Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Westcoast Workwear and Embroidery).
Alex Rigby;
● Mia Smith;
● Southport RFC Ladies Team.
Young Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by DT Hughes).
● Emily Blackhurst;
● Isabella Dixon;
● Luis Wright.
Business In The Community Award (sponsored by In Demand Radio).
Babyballet Southport, Formby & Crosby.
Big Comedy/Southport Comedy Festival.
Nobody Left Behind.
School Of The Year Award (sponsored by Southport College)
● Maricourt Catholic High School.
● Marshside Primary School.
● St John’s Crossens Church of England Primary School.
Lifetime Achievement/Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Birkdale Kitchen Co)
This award recognises a person who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to life in Sefton. There will be no shortlist for this title announced prior to this award – instead. the judging panel will reflect on potential candidates during the process and the winner will be awarded on the night.