THE audience were on their feet when the winner of our Courage Award was announced.
Esther Ghey made her way through a sea of people in a room filled with cheers and tears to accept the award from presented Leanne Campbell and sponsor Graham Reynolds, director of sustainability at Redwood Bank.
An emotional Esther said: “Brianna is the bravest person I’ve ever known – this award is for her.”
In February last year, Warrington was left heart-broken when teenager Brianna Ghey was brutally murdered in Culcheth Linear Park.
In the wake of the tragedy, Brianna’s mum Esther met with Warrington Guardian reporter Tom Bedworth to create a campaign in memory of Brianna.
And so began one mum’s dedication to her daughter’s lasting legacy.
Courage Award winner Esther Ghey, her partner Wes Powell, Emma Mills, headteacher at Birchwood Community High School and former Warrington Guardian reporter Tom Bedworth
The Peace in Mind campaign was launched in September last year and has raised more than £87,000.
Having met with politicians, charity bosses and school leaders, Esther’s goal has been to make society a more compassionate place as well as a safer one for school children.
We were inundated with nominations for Esther – heart-felt letters of admiration and respect for the grieving mum.
One said: “Esther has taken her grief and used it to show overwhelming courage.
“She has set up an inspirational campaign for a better future for all our children and tried to make society full of empathy not hate.”
Courage Award winner Esther Ghey
Another said: “Esther is an absolute superhero.
“Through her own grief and pain, she is dedicated to helping others.”
A third said: “No other person says courage like Esther Ghey.
“Through overwhelming and unspeakable grief has come courage and an unquestionable desire for change.”
Watch our special video about Esther and Brianna:
Nominations were filled with Esther’s determination, hard work and dedication as well as her kindness and warmth towards others – a truly inspirational woman who is the worthy recipient of the Warrington Guardian Courage Award 2024, sponsored by Redwood Bank.
Courage Award winner Esther Ghey with Leanne Campbell and Graham Reynolds, director of sustainability at Redwood Bank
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