IT’S only been a few days since we launched the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards but nominations have been flooding in for charity champions, health heroes and good neighbours.
Following a difficult few years due to the Covid pandemic, residents and businesses now face additional challenges with the current cost of living crisis so we want to recognise the inspirational people, teams and organisations in our town who make a difference to the lives of others.
We want to hear about all the positive people living and working at the centre of our community and recognise their hard work, determination and acts of kindness.
Our Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards – held in association with Warrington Borough Council and Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – are making a welcome return for 2022 with a dozen special honours due to be given out during a ceremony at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday, November 17.
Over the past three years the Warrington Guardian has continued to support local businesses, charities and schools by highlighting their hard work and achievements, and we received record number of nominations for our Lockdown Heroes Awards in 2021 and the Education Awards in April.
The last time the Inspiration Awards took place was in 2019, pre-Covid, and we need your help to make this year’s awards a success.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “We’re very pleased to sponsor this year’s Inspiration Awards, which is an increasingly important celebration in Warrington’s calendar.
“We continue to be humbled by the amazing work of people in our communities.
“The Inspiration Awards celebrates the very best of Warrington and recognises those in our town who routinely go above and beyond.
“There are many remarkable and inspirational people in Warrington and we are proud to play our part by supporting these awards.”
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals is proud to once again be supporting the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.
Professor Simon Constable, Chief of Executive said: “The awards recognise and celebrate all that is great about our communities, education, sports and charities throughout the borough.
“Sometimes, it is in the most challenging circumstances and situations that we see the very best in people.
“The unsung heroes who go above and beyond for others, those that succeed against almost impossible odds, and the self-less, enduring commitment of charities to make things better for others.
“Our hospitals will continue to be there for our communities, our patients, and each other and on behalf of all the staff at WHH, we wish those inspirational nominees the very best of luck.”
Hayley Smith, editor of the Warrington Guardian and regional editor for Newsquest Cheshire/Merseyside, said: “With the ongoing challenges facing all of us I believe it’s vital that we take the opportunity to shout about the good and celebrate the inspirational people that help make our town a great place to live.
“All entries are gratefully received and will considered by our judging panel.”
HOW TO NOMINATE: See our list of award categories below and then CLICK HERE TO FILL IN AN ENTRY FORM
Alternatively, you can email nw-guardian-awards@newsquest.co.uk including all the required information for your nomination to be considered. Please include your name and full contact details, along with those of the person, business or organisation you are nominating, the name of the category and your full reasons for nominating them. If you would like to share a photograph of the nominee, this can be attached in the email.
The closing date for entries is Thursday, October 6.
If you would like your business or organisation to be part of the event and sponsor one of our awards alongside our main partners Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Hospital and sponsor Assura, please email nikki.whinnett@localiq.co.uk for further information.
Here are the 12 categories set to be awarded on the night:
1. SPORTSPERSON/TEAM OF THE YEAR
We want to hear about the achievements of Warrington’s finest, either in their field of expertise or in furthering sport in the community. Nominations are welcome for both adults and junior achievers.
2. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
This award is for an individual, team, business or organisation in the town that has made a significant contribution to the community by giving up their time to help other people.
3. EVERYDAY HERO AWARD
This award recognises the people, neighbours or carers who put others first, keep spirits high with people they meet and make a difference to the lives of those in their neighbourhood or the street they live in through their kindness and compassion
4. CHARITY CHAMPION and 5. JUNIOR CHARITY CHAMPION
We want to hear about those who have committed to raising money or giving time to a good cause. Nominations are welcome for individuals or groups, with separate awards for adults and youngsters.
6. CHILD/TEENAGER OF THE YEAR
This year’s winner will be for a youngster who has either battled against the odds to help others, been an outstanding achiever in their studies or extra-curricular activities, or put themselves at risk to help someone less fortunate or in danger.
7. NHS HERO, sponsored by Assura
We are looking for an unsung hero or team working or volunteering within a hospital, surgery or health environment who have shown exceptional care or contributed to making someone’s visit or stay more enjoyable.
8. EDUCATION HERO
This award will recognise those working in the education sector, from head teachers to support staff and everyone in between.
They will have provided outstanding support for pupils and inspired youngsters and colleagues with their resilience and positivity.
9. ACT OF COURAGE
This award is to commend those who have gone beyond the call of duty, overcome adversity in their personal lives or risked their own safety to help others.
Nominations could be received for members of the public, teams or emergency services.
10. CHARITY OF THE YEAR
We are looking to recognise a Warrington charity that has been committed in its efforts to helping people in the town through its fundraising and tireless community work.
11. FAMILY OF THE YEAR
We want to hear about an inspirational family in the town.
They may have been a force for good, campaigned for change, supported others in their hour of need or had to overcome the most challenging circumstances personally.
12. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
A prestigious award for the person who has made an outstanding contribution in Warrington over several years.
(Please note that our judges will also have the discretion to present further awards if a significant number of exceptional nominations are received.)
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