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.

St Helens Star:

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.

St Helens Star:

Young Community Star - Darcy Fleming

St Helens Star:

 Louise Johnson and Amanda Fieldhouse founded the St Helens Scarecow Festival

St Helens Star:

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.

St Helens Star:

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.

St Helens Star:

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.

St Helens Star:

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