Calling all the heroes! The search is on again for unsung heroes from communities across the region with the second annual Staffordshire Moorlands Community Awards.
THE goddaughter of a community stalwart, who died of cancer one month after receiving a prestigious award, has spoken of her pride as the hunt for similar unsung heroes is launched.
Jane Gilbert was delighted when "inspirational" Carol Oultram was put forward for the good neighbour category at the inaugural Staffordshire Moorlands Community Awards last year.
The 39-year-old said she was comforted by the fact Carol's tireless work as chairman of Mill Street Action Group, Leek, had been recognised at a glittering ceremony just one month before her death at the age of 58 in May 2009.
Jane, of Badnall Close, Leek, said: "Carol was so excited and proud to win. She felt humbled to realise people thought so much of her.
"She knew she didn't have long left, but it kept her mind off it and despite being really poorly she still felt she had to live up to what she'd won.
"In Carol's eyes, if anyone was doing something to help the community they should be acknowledged."
Jane is now urging people to nominate others as the Staffordshire Moorlands Community Awards 2010 gets under way this week.
And the awards, organised by the Post & Times, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Moorlands Radio, promise to be bigger, better and brighter than ever.
The categories have been tweaked to ensure the area's most charitable and courageous residents are recognised.
Josie Heath, aged 79, was handed the leader's award in 2009 in honour of her outstanding contribution to the community.
Mrs Heath said she felt privileged to be invited to the prize ceremony at Alton Towers and is sure this year's event will be just as well supported.
The former town mayor, of Hawksworth Avenue, Leek, added: "It was so nice to be among people who had gone over and above for the community and I shall never forget it. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
"If anyone in the community knows someone who deserves recognition they must come forward and nominate."
Helen Wainwright, founder of Home Link Cheadle which was named community group winner, said the awards had helped raise awareness of the charity.
She added: "It gave us a real boost to know that people thought enough of us to give us an award.
"It was very humbling to realise people have a high opinion of what we're doing."
"I encourage people to nominate friends and family for awards."
Churnet View Middle School pupil Mary Strutt, of Newtown, near Longnor, was chosen as the brightest young star for her work supporting classmates.
The 12-year-old said: "It was the best night of my life. I encourage anyone who knows someone who helps others to nominate them so they know they are appreciated. It gave me more confidence to carry on and made me realise I wasn't wasting my time trying to help people.
"People know more about what I do now and I've had more requests for help since it happened."
Margaret Lawton, of Pickwood Close, Leek, was named adult carer of the year for her dedication to looking after her husband Terry who suffered a stroke. She said: "The awards brought out all those unsung heroes who have done so much without asking for any praise.
"It is wonderful people get the credit they deserve. It was the experience of a lifetime."
All nominees will be featured in the Post & Times between now and September. A panel of judges made up of the sponsors will then decide on first, second and third place in each category.
They will be invited to a glittering ceremony at Alton Towers on October 22.
Sybil Ralphs, leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, came up with the idea of the awards to thank people who have gone the extra mile to make the Moorlands a better place.
She said: "They don't do it for publicity or any other recognition, but they work tirelessly on behalf of other people and hopefully it spurs them on to know they are recognised and appreciatedin this way.
"Last year we had a great number of inspiring nominations, all of which were deserving of recognition. I have no doubt that the judges will find it an equally difficult task this year as we prepare to celebrate our stars once again."
The main sponsor of the awards is Leek-based Kerrygold, which employs just over 500 staff in the town and is one of the UK's leaders in pre-packed cheese.
Meet the sponsors
Kerrygold - Main sponsor
Kerrygold was extremely proud to be main sponsor of the first Staffordshire Moorlands Community Awards held last year. which culminated in the memorable presentation evening held at Alton Towers. When asked to be main sponsors again for the 2010 awards we immediately accepted the invitation, which offers us another chance to be involved in such a prestigious event and to further demonstrate our support to the people of Leek and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Britannia - Bright Young Star
Britannia is delighted to again support the Staffordshire Moorlands Community Awards and is proud to be associated with the area's bright young stars. Inspiring the next generation to reach their potential is one of our key priorities. and this award is a great way to recognise and celebrate the talent, creativity and endeavour of young people within our community.
JCB - Adult Achiever of the Year
JCB understands the importance of individual achievement. It is the driving force behind our company's success story. Without the personal commitment and individual achievement of our employees, JCB would not have grown into the world's third largest construction equipment manufacturer. An achiever always inspires others to become better at everything they do and that's why JCB is delighted to sponsor the Adult Achiever of the Year category.
Alton Towers - Resort Child/Teenager of Courage
The Alton Towers Resort is about creating magical memories for people of all ages. and as part of the Merlin Entertainment Group we have our own charity, Merlin's Magic Wand, which aims to provide unique experiences for children who have been disadvantaged in some way, whether through illness, disability, poverty or depravation. The challenges that some of the nominated children have faced make that commitment even more relevant; we are delighted to be sponsoring this very important award.
Leek United Building Society - Special Recognition
Leek United Building Society has been part of the community for nearly 150 years and we are proud to support the Special Recognition category. By sponsoring this category we are honoured to acknowledge the exceptional work these individuals and groups do, usually with no thought to their own needs or requirements.
A H Brooks & Co - Fund-raiser of the Year
AH Brooks & Co is extremely proud to sponsor the Fund-raiser of the Year award. Last year's experience of meeting so many members of the community who sacrifice their time and energy to raise money for extremely worthy causes proved humbling. Such members make a huge contribution to our community not only via the funds they raise but by motivating others to do likewise. Without these champions, charities would not be in the position they are to do such good works.
Moorlands Housing - Community/Voluntary Group of the Year
Moorlands Housing, a member of Harvest Housing Group, is delighted to again sponsor the Community/Voluntary Group of the Year. We have first hand experience of the benefits that committed community groups and volunteers can bring to both the areas in which they work and the people who live in them. We are proud to help celebrate their successes through the community awards. and hope their example will inspire others to achieve similar goals.
NHS - Carer of the Year
NHS North Staffordshire is pleased to support the Carer of the Year award. Carers play an invaluable role in supporting people in our communities. a role which makes a huge difference to thousands of lives, every day. We hope that by sponsoring this award, all carers can take comfort that their work is recognised by society as well as by the individuals they care for.
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