THE shortlist for the 2018 Solarcrown Commercial Pride of St Helens Awards has been revealed after a selection process that saw judges go through hundreds of nominations.

The event, to be held at Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday, November 16, is organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation and media partners the Star, with the aim of raising aspiration across St Helens by highlighting inspiring stories of achievement, resilience, courage and talent.

Among those shortlisted for the headline award are Saints skipper James Roby, for his years of dedication to Saints and the borough; West End star Carley Stenson, who has won further acclaim playing the lead role of Fantine in Les Miserable in London; and St Helens’ Chrysalis Centre, which encourages and empowers women of all ages who are or have been victims of domestic abuse.

Also shortlisted, in the new award category of Family of the Year, are the loved ones of Daniel Fox, who died from a stab wound in September 2016. Following his death they turned their grief into a driving force that aims to eradicate knife crime from the St Helens streets with their #NoMoreKnives campaign.

In the same category is the family of Violet-Grace Youens, who were recognised with the Courage Award last year, who have been nominated for their dedication to raising the awareness of organ donation in memory of their daughter; and the family of Hope Colley who died in February of a brain tumour.

They have also shown immense strength and are giving the ‘Gift of Hope’ to women and children fleeing from domestic abuse this Christmas time. This will see them collect Christmas presents and give them to women and children facing crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the Pride of St Helens organising committee, Andrew Kilmurray, editor of the St Helens Star, said: “We are elated that once again we have such a diverse outstanding range of nominations for this year’s Solarcrown Pride of St Helens Awards.

“We would like to thank all the great people of our borough who took the time to nominate someone who has made a difference to their lives and community.

“It is fair to say the selection panel spent hours going through all the worthy nominations. We would like to thank the nominees who did not make the final three and are sure they will continue their astonishing efforts. We are looking forward to November 16, it is going to be an incredible evening and time to rejoice all that is great and good within our borough.”

THE SHORTLIST

Carmel College Leadership Award

- Mark Dickinson

- Neil McFarlane

- Ellen Murray

St Helens RFC Sportsperson of the Year

- Conor Coady

- Justin Holbrook

- Matt Crehan

Handepay Unsung Hero Award

- Claire Rigby

- Teresa Farrimond

- Ted Forsyth

CoseyRentals Courage Award

- Stephen Higham

- Chris Carberry

- Barbara Challinor

Accord Wills The Child of Courage

- Katie Edington

- Eve Leach

- Kaycee Bradshaw

OD’s Designer Clothing Young Community Star Award

- Lewis Taylor

- Ben Hodge

- Jennifer Draper

Assured Life Charity Champion

- Claire Lewis and Team 1C

- Mark Smith

- Karen Jarvis

Imperial Bar & Terrace Arts Award

- Carley Stenson

- Lost Castles

- Clonefest

St Helens Council Young Sportsperson of the Year

- Shea Williams

- Ivan Leyland

- Lauren Bate

Torus Family of the Year Award

- The family of Violet-Grace Youens

- The family of Hope Colley

- The family of Daniel Fox

SolarCrown Commercial Pride of St Helens Award

- James Roby

- Carley Stenson

- Chrysalis Centre

A supplement sharing the individual nominees’ stories will feature in the Star ahead of the ceremony.