Radio presenter and panto star to host Inspiration Awards

The breakfast show host will take to the stage at The Village Hotel on Thursday, March 16 to honour charity champions, health heroes and good neighbours from across Warrington.

Leanne, who is currently starring as The Spirit of the Ring in Aladdin at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool is no stranger to handing out awards having presented our Warrington Guardian School Awards and Inspiration Awards in the past.

This year’s ceremony will 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 highlight their hard work, determination and acts of kindness.

The 2019 Inspiration Awards Judges' Special Acheivement Award went to Baroness Helen Newlove

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 with a dozen special honours due to be given out during a ceremony at The Village Hotel on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

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.

St Vincent's Dominic Vernon was Teacher of the Year 2019

Leanne said: “I’m truly delighted to be hosting the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards once again.

“It’s always a pleasure to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with the wonderful people of Warrington.

“I’m looking forward to hearing more heart-warming stories from those who have gone above and beyond to help others.”

There are 12 categories with honours given out for sportsperson or sports team of the year, everyday hero and fundraisers of the year as well as child or teenager of the year, courage award and lifetime achievement recognition.

HOW TO NOMINATE: See our list of award categories below and then CLICK HERE TO FILL IN AN ENTRY FORM or scan the QR code.

The closing date for entries is Saturday, January 14.

Scan the QR code to make a nomination

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 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/SPORTS 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 or organisation in the town that has made a significant contribution to the community.

3. EVERYDAY HERO AWARD

This award recognises those 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. FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

5. JUNIOR FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

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 and there will be separate awrads for adults and youngsters.

6. CHILD/TEENAGER OF THE YEAR sponsored by the NHS

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 OF THE YEAR sponsored by Assura

We are looking for an unsung hero working or volunteering within a hospital, surgery or health environment who has shown exceptional care or contributed to making someone’s visit or stay more enjoyable.

8. EDUCATION HERO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Chester University

This award will recognise those working in schools and colleges across Warrington, from teachers and head teachers to support staff and governors.

9. COURAGE AWARD

This award is to honour those who have either overcome adversity in their personal lives or gone beyond the call of duty, perhaps by risking their own safety to help others.

Nominations could be received for an individual, team or emergency services workers.

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. TEAM OF THE YEAR

We want to celebrate a team that has achieved success by working together. Nominations can be received from all walks of life, from schools and businesses to hospital departments and voluntary groups.

12. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT sponsored by Warrington Borough Council

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 a further special recognition award on the night)