Manchester heroes honoured at Community Awards

Real-life heroes from across Manchester were recognised this week at Manchester City Council’s Community Awards 2008.

The City Council, who organised the competition, received more than 160 nominations for local heroes. The finalists were honoured at a glitzy Town Hall ceremony on Wednesday 10 December, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and Gordon Burns of BBC North West Tonight.

The event was made possible by generous sponsorship support from a number of Manchester businesses which provide services to the communities of Manchester and have a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.

A special champagne reception for all the guests attending the glamorous ceremony was hosted by Xerox, in the Lord Mayor's Parlour.

Kirsty Ashton from Wythenshawe won this year's Young Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by Northwards Housing, for her fundraising work on behalf of the "Wish Upon a Star" charity. Kirsty has raised thousands of pounds to send sick and terminally ill children on holiday, despite battling the debilitating condition Neurofibromatosis herself.

Anne Tucker from Rusholme won the Contribution to the Environment Award, sponsored by Scottish Power and the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre, for her years of campaigning work in Platt Fields Park.

Wythenshawe's Gina Hall won the award for Creativity in the Community, sponsored by Parkway Green Housing Trust. Gina organises and runs events for residents of the Royal Oak Community Centre, such as the Wythenshawe's Got Talent contest, and a dance group, which started with just four members and has now grown to over 50.

Karen Harris and Gwen Davies, who run the Manchester Stingers Women's Football Club in Chorlton and Whalley Range, won this year's Sporting Achievement Award, sponsored by Adactus Housing Association.

The club, which has been gong for more than ten years, is aimed at gay and bisexual women, and provides a valuable social lifeline for dozens of women.

Connie Strongitharm from Longsight won the Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Manchester Residents Association, for her consistent and continuous work in Manchester's communities to help improve the lives of all residents by creating safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.

The Good Neighbour Award, sponsored by Aon, was won by Gordon Binns from Newton Heath, for his unwavering kindness and selfless efforts to help his neighbours in any way he can. Gordon is well-loved by all who know him.

The Taking A Stand award (sponsored by Harvest Housing) went to Rosena Rock from Longsight, who was nominated by Manchester Methodist Housing Association for her bravery in standing up to anti-social behaviour in her area.

The big winner of the night, however, was Gorton's Gloria Barnwell, who won two of the award categories: Citizen of the Year (sponsored by Rowlinson Construction) and Contribution to the Community (sponsored by Southway Housing Trust), after a flood of nominations for both categories cited her determination and tireless work in Gorton.

Her involvement reaches across the board, from the tenants association that she set up 30 years ago, and the annual Gorton Festival, to her campaigning for social and environmental improvements, and encouraging racial tolerance in the community.

Finally, at the climax of the evening, the selection of the very best of Manchester's Community Heroes was made by the judges for the prestigious Pride of Manchester award, sponsored by Enterprise Manchester.

The winner of this award is chosen from all of the category winners and represents the winner of the winners: from this year's outstanding choice, the judges were all agreed that the award should go to double-winner Gloria Barnwell, as her contribution over three decades made her far and away the most outstanding candidate for this prestigious accolade. Pictured centre above with Martin Joyce, Director of Enterprise Foundation and Vicky Rosin, Assistant Chief Executive, Manchester City Council.

Martin Joyce, Managing Director of Enterprise Manchester, who sponsored the Pride of Manchester Award said: "Enterprise Manchester are very proud to award Gloria Barnwell the Pride of Manchester in recognition of her invaluable contribution to Manchester's communities over 30 years, and I hope that this recognition helps her gain even more momentum and build on the success she has made to improve the lives of Manchester residents.

He also referred to the unprecedented decision they made to award an extra "runner up" in the category, adding: "We are also very pleased to make a special commendation to Kirsty Ashton in the Pride of Manchester category, for her remarkable achievements in the face of adversity."

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "We were inundated with nominations this year and the quality of applications meant this year's was one of the hardest we've ever had to judge.

"Anyone living in Manchester should be proud that we have people like this who are happy to work so hard to benefit their communities.

"A special thank you goes to our sponsors this year whose support has enabled Manchester City Council to host such a high quality event in recognition of its star residents."

MEDIA CONTACT:

Conrad Astley, tel 0161 234 4027