NHS heroes, Saints and Johnny Vegas were among those saluted on a glittering and emotional night at the Pride of St Helens Awards, sponsored by the Mikhail Group.
In the first major local community awards celebration since the pandemic, outstanding people and organisations were highlighted for their contributions to the town.
Judges said the selection process was the most difficult in the event’s history and every shortlisted nominee that was present received a trophy.
Saints' Jodie Cunningham
The event, organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation and media partners the Star, was high on emotion with the winners who could attend taking to the stage to speak with host Fraser Dainton, of Sky Sports.
Founded in 2012, the event is aimed at raising aspiration across St Helens by highlighting inspiring stories of achievement, resilience, courage and talent.
Johnny Vegas collected the Pride of St Helens award for his contribution to his hometown during lockdown - when he was a key part of the emergency supplies hub being run out of the Eccleston Arms - and a highly successful career in the entertainment industry that spans more than two decades.
Young Community Star - Darcy Fleming
Louise Johnson and Amanda Fieldhouse founded the St Helens Scarecow Festival
Young darts ace Eleanor Cairns
With emotion in his voice, he told guests he wished his parents, who passed away in recent years, could have been there to see this moment.
He expressed immense pride and said he wanted to share the recognition with people of the town who pulled together during lockdown.
Saints boss Kristian Woolf
Johnny said: "I spent so much time away from home and when I came back, how we reacted as a community had a profound effect on me.”
He said the award was his “finest achievement”, adding: “I'm proud of the town, I love the town.
“My family would be made up, it feels like I'm welcomed back. What we achieved, I didn't achieve, we achieved."
There was recognition for the teams at St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust for their response to the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
Chief executive Ann Marr collected the Emergency Heroes award on behalf of the Trust's staff to a rousing reception from guests.
Ann Marr (right) and colleagues collected the Emergency Hero award from sponsors
Elsewhere, Kristian Woolf took to the stage as Saints were presented with a Special Achievement Award for their trophy wining campaigns which have lifted the town’s spirits over the past two years.
Jodie Cunningham, a symbol of the rapidly growing sport of women’s rugby league, was named Sportsperson of the Year after an astonishing season.
Child of Courage: Leah Bennett
In the arts category, Coronation Street actor Jude Riordan was named the winner – he was unable to attend but sent a special video message describing his joy at being recognised by his hometown.
For a full breakdown of nominees’ stories and how the event unfolded click here.
More indvidual stories and photos will feature in the St Helens Star over the next week.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Pride of St Helens Awards
Lannyman Child of Courage Award
Winners
Clark Doyle
Leah Bennett
JC Kitchens Young Community Star:
Winner
Darcy Fleming
Highly commended
Daniel Marsh
AJ White
St Helens Borough Council Young Sportsperson of the Year:
Winner
Eleanor Cairns
Highly commended
Niamh May
Scout Wilson-Bonner
Assured Life Charity Champion:
Winner
Amanda Fieldhouse & Louise Johnson
Highly commended
Vicky Ford
St Helens MIND
Imperial Bar & Terrace Arts Award:
Winner
Jude Riordan
Highly commended
Miguel Doforo
Cath Shea and St Helens Arts Service
Paramount Digital Courage Award:
Winner
Deborah Ainsworth
Highly commended
Michael Thompson
Melissa Grace McComas
Handepay Unsung Hero Award:
Winner
Paul Llewellyn
Highly commended
Cabbage Hall CIC
Stephen Mousdell
Mark Hayes
Saints Sportsperson of the Year
Winner
Jodie Cunningham
Highly commended
Harry Coppell
Alex Walmsley
Torus Family of the Year:
Winner
Hobin family: Mark and Leanne
Highly commended
Smith family: Ian and Yvonne
Nye Family: Joanne, Gareth and
children
The Kirkfield Lockdown Award:
Winner
St Helens Together
Highly commended
Blackbrook ARLFC
Newton Community Centre
Accord Wills Emergency Services Hero:
Winner
St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust
Toast Cafe Special Achievement Award:
Winner
St Helens Rugby League club
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Pride of St Helens Award:
Winner
Johnny Vegas
Highly commended
Dr Greg Irving
Saints Community Foundation
Steve Prescott Foundation Special Recognition Award
Winner
Alex Chicken
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