Citizen of the Year 2017 Finalist – Sharon Foden

Sharon Foden made it to the final three for being the driving force behind Barrow Community Kitchen.

When Sharon Fodden first realised there were people starving to death within our own community and she read of a family who had been sanctioned by the government and they were unable to feed themselves she decided to take action.

lba17_citizen_sharon-fodden_resize-for-blogIn October 2015, she set up Barrow Community Kitchen at St Matthews Halls, Barrow. The project started with no funds, venue or helpers just an idea and Sharons determination, which brought the community together to make it a reality.  Since then she has worked tirelessly and selfishly  to establish and run a service to those in need.

Sharon has not taken a single day off, despite being a full time mum of a little boy with special needs, she juggles her home life and family and the kitchen to ensure that there is an environment every single week for people to go to to have nutritious three course meal, warm friendship and a non-judgmental welcome.

People who use the service  are often isolated and lonely all week and enjoy their weekly visit to the kitchen. She is the heart and soul of the kitchen, which is a not for profit entity, so she always organising donations, fundraising, ingredients, publicity, everything to make the kitchen run smoothly.

The kitchen runs every Sunday and the meals, volunteers and activities appear on the day like magic, which is of course down to Sharon working tirelessly in the background.  She has much work in the community to do to keep up this illusion but never grumbles, even though she receives little recognition for her efforts.

Sharon has also helped 2 men find temporary accommodation over the xmas period who were homeless, delivered hampers to the elderly or infirm, fed families who otherwise would not have eaten that week and provided for them with essentials for home.

Her friends say “Sharon is a selfless woman and truly is the salt of the earth, she would do anything for absolutely anyone without prejudice or hesitation”

TO VOTE FOR SHARON IN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD  

TEXT  LBA23 to 82055

Peoples Choice Award Sponsor

With thanks to Blake Henderson Ltd for sponsoring this award

Each text vote costs your normal network text message charge.

One free vote may be made online by visiting www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk/peopleschoice

Voting closes at 6.00pm on the Sunday 19th February 2017. Any votes received after then may be charged but will not be counted.

The winner will be announced at The Love Barrow Awards on Friday 10th March 2017 and will be announced via Facebook and Twitter also.

 


Young Citizen of the Year 2017 Finalist – Kian Woodburn

Kian Woodburn, Aged 10, made it through to the finals for the support, dedication and fundraising efforts has made for his friend, Amiee, who has Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In January 2016 one of Kian’s best friends Aimee, also 10, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This hit Kian really hard, but instead of getting upset he decided to do something about it and organised numerous charity events throughout the year, raising money for the Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Group.

lba17_yctiz_kian-woodburn_resize-for-blogKian decided his first event would be to do the Coniston to Barrow and with help from his parents, he got a team of 11 together to do the run.   His next fund raising event was a 21 mile bike ride around the Furness area accompanied by his Dad, they did this on the same day of Aimee’s last Chemotherapy treatment to mark the end of it.

The fund raising for The Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Group helps fund vital research into cures for cancer which helps children not just in Barrow but across the country.  He also donated to Ward 84 of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, which is the ward that looks after Aimee while she is in hospital, the funds go towards buying vital equipment for the ward.

Now that Aimee has had a relapse in her recovery and is probably going to spend her Birthday, Christmas and New Year in hospital, Kian wants to do the New Years Day Dip in Earnse Bay and get as many people involved as possible to raise money again.

His parents have said “Kian is just your typical 10 year old boy, he loves football, xbox and playing with his friends. But when it comes down to it Kian really does wear his heart on his sleeve and will go above and beyond to help people. He is kind and helpful and just wants people to be happy.”

 

TO VOTE FOR KIAN IN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD  

TEXT  LBA2 to 82055

Peoples Choice Award Sponsor

With thanks to Blake Henderson Ltd for sponsoring this award

Each text vote costs your normal network text message charge.

One free vote may be made online by visiting www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk/peopleschoice

Voting closes at 6.00pm on the Sunday 19th February 2017. Any votes received after then may be charged but will not be counted.

The winner will be announced at The Love Barrow Awards on Friday 10th March 2017 and will be announced via Facebook and Twitter also.

 


Young Citizen of the Year 2017 Finalist – Anna Gaskell

Anna Gaskell, Aged 10, made it to the finals for extraordinary level of support she dedicates to her best friend Leah who has Cerebral Palsy.

Anna Gaskell, who is in Year 6 at Askam Village School, helps support Leah in the classroom, around school and out of school.  She is incredibly kind and patient, and yet encourages Leah to be as independent as possible. This is something Anna has done since a very young age.

Not once does Anna ever complain. Nothing is too much lba17_ycitz_anna-gaskell_resize-for-blogtrouble for her. The bond between the two of them is very special and heart-warming. They are friends for life. Anna is so positive with a great sense of humour. She is encouraging without being bossy.

Leah without doubt benefits hugely from everything that Anna does. It allows Leah to rely less on adult support wherever possible. Leah has become more independent in school. Leah speaks out more and is fully integrated into all aspects of school-life. The class as a whole are extremely supportive of Leah, and a large part of this is down to Anna who sets the standard and is an outstanding role-model. Leah enjoys school, and Anna’s warm smile, gentle encouragement, sense of humour and an uncanny sense of initiative certainly contribute in no small part to this.

Leah’s parents are extremely appreciative of what Anna does for their daughter.    Anna’s teacher, Mr Cairns said “I don’t think I have ever been privileged to see such a special relationship between two children. Anna is one-in-a-million.”

 

TO VOTE FOR ANNA IN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD  

TEXT  LBA1 to 82055

Peoples Choice Award Sponsor

With thanks to Blake Henderson Ltd for sponsoring this award

Each text vote costs your normal network text message charge.

One free vote may be made online by visiting www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk/peopleschoice

Voting closes at 6.00pm on the Sunday 19th February 2017. Any votes received after then may be charged but will not be counted.

The winner will be announced at The Love Barrow Awards on Friday 10th March 2017 and will be announced via Facebook and Twitter also.

 


Young Citizen of the Year 2017 Finalist – Reece Jackson

Reece Jackson, Aged 10, made it into the finals for the bravery and help he gave to his mum when she fell and hurt herself in the street.

On January 29th 2016, Reece Jackson and his mum were walking to
Reece’s cubs meeting at Knox St Hall, Walney,when Reece’s Mum, Zoe, slipped and fell, seriously breaking her leg.

Reece,  stayed calm and tried to catch the attention of passing lba17_ycitz_reece-jackson-resize-for-blogcars while Zoe tried to get her mobile out got but becuase of the pain, was struggling to make the call for an ambulance.

Reece, while reassuring his mum, took the phone from her and called the ambulance and gave his mum the phone so she could speak to the ambulance.

Due to the intense pain, Zoe, could not recall which street they were on, so Reece took it up on himself to go in search of the street name and when he could not find one, he approached a dog walker and asked for help, they both returned to his mum, and the dog walker was able to help give the ambulance directions.
When the ambulance arrived, Reece gave them all the information they needed and then contacted his dad who was at work.  Reece arranged with his dad that he would go to the hospital with his mum and that his dad should collect his older sister from guides.

Without Reece’s quick thinking and calm head, that night, Zoe could have ended up without help for much longer than she did.

The injuries Zoe ended up with, left her in a cast for over 8 weeks. Reece along with his older sister, did the washing up, sorted washing out, loaded the washing machine, pegged clothes out, hovered dusted and brought her food and drink.

Reece also had to walk to school for the first time on his own with his older sister on the days where his dad was at work.  Mum Zoe said “I am so very proud of my children and consider myself to be very lucky, truly believe that it is children like this that make the future of our town and its community brighter.”

TO VOTE FOR REECE IN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD  

TEXT  LBA3 to 82055

Peoples Choice Award Sponsor

With thanks to Blake Henderson Ltd for sponsoring this award

Each text vote costs your normal network text message charge.

One free vote may be made online by visiting www.lovebarrowawards.co.uk/peopleschoice

Voting closes at 6.00pm on the Sunday 19th February 2017. Any votes received after then may be charged but will not be counted.

The winner will be announced at The Love Barrow Awards on Friday 10th March 2017 and will be announced via Facebook and Twitter also.

 


Citizen of the Year 2017 Nominee – Christine McCracken

Christine McCracken has been nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award sponsored by Furness Building Society.

Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor - Furness Building Society

 

Christine McCracken has been volunteering at Women’s Community Matters in Barrow since June 2016.  

Christine started out as a user of the centre and successfully completed courses and graduated from the project and is now the Drop-in Co-ordinator and has become the real heart of the service.  She welcomes new women to the Centre during the regular drop-in sessions and manages the cleaning, organising and recording each week. She always has a smile on her face, despite all she has been through, and truly lights up the lives of the women who use and work in the centre and has become the real heart of the service.

Christine is also a keen fundraiser and is always making jewellery to sell as well as a coming up with new fundraising ideas. In her efforts over the last month she has raised over £100 for women in crisis.

Christine McCracken

Left- Christine at the centre – Photo from WCM

“She has a warm, non-judgemental and accepting way of being that makes women feel safe and secure.”

 

 

Christine also has a family who she cares for, including an 11 year old son with autism who she supports with daily care and is a real advocate for autism awareness and support. Christine has previously struggled with her mental health but has overcome her own struggles and now provides a listening ear to others who are struggling.

There isn’t another woman in this world who has a heart like Christine’s. Just the other day she was making an inspirational quote for a woman who felt low – so she could hang it on her wall at home. The ladies at the centre think it’s time for Christine to truly be recognised for all she has achieved and for the wonderful work she does each week here at WCM.

Well Done Christine!

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.  


Carer of the Year 2017 Nominees – Lynda and Dave Gommersall

Lynda and Dave Gomersall have been nominated jointly for the Carer of the Year Award sponsored by Cumbria Clinical Commisioning Group. NHS Cumbria

Lynda and Dave Gomersall have been nominated by their son Scott for the care they have provided him after he returned home from hospital in 2014.

In 2013, Scott, who at the time owned his own business, SDG Accountants in Barrow,  suffered a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage suddenly while at work.  He was rushed to Furness General and from there, thanks to the speed of the doctors and the team he was transferred to Preston Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.   That night doctors told Lynda and Dave that their son was unlikely to make it through the night and it was best to say their goodbyes while they still could.

scott-gommersall

 

Against all odds Scott survived the night and finally regained conscious after being in a coma for 3 weeks.  Scott went on to spend the next 10 months in Preston NRU working tirelessly with the team there to recover.  Scotts Father, Dave, continues to work even though he was due to retire and Scott’s mum, Lynda stayed in Preston in a special unit for relatives, then rented a room in Preston to be able to attend hospital every day.  With sheer determination and hard work alongside the dedication of his parents, Scott  learned to do many things again that we all take for granted such as learning to sit, up, chew food and finally having to learn to walk again.

Scott was then released home, where he moved back in with his parents, who have adapted parts of their home to accommodate Scott and his continuing rehabilitation.  Dave has continued to work to help support Scott and the family while Lynda helps take care of Scott throughout the day as well as looking after her own mother who recently suffered a stroke and suffers from Dementia.

“Without the time and support from my parents I don’t know where I would be today but I’m sure I would not have achieved what I have to date”

Scott defied the odds and thanks to the continued support and love of Lynda and Dave, has been able to start to get back to normal and start to contribute in small ways within the community by volunteering with the Love Barrow Awards, which previously he had sponsored the Young Citizen category with his business SDG Accountants.

Lynda and Dave are a fantastic example of how families are sometimes the foundation that the rehabilitation and care of loved ones are built on once they leave the hospital.

Well Done Lynda and Dave, you are amazing people!

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.  

 


Sports Volunteer of the Year 2017 Nominee – Graham Shaw

Graham Shaw has been nominated for the Sports Volunteer of the Year Award.

 

Graham Shaw and his Family

Graham Shaw and family- Photo from G.Shaw

Graham is the main driving force behind the Hindpool Tigers Junior Rugby Club, a small youth rugby club in Hindpool.  The club has nearly 200 young people signed on to the club which gives them the opportunity to learn discipline, teamwork & also keeps them fit & healthy.

As well as having a full time job and two young children of his own, he still finds time to manage the club and is constantly improving the quality of attention all the children and club gets and has put in a lot of effort to increase the number of children that have joined the club.  The club coaches young people of all the age groups from 5 years upwards and they do this free of charge.

 

Hindpool Tigers Juniors are a credit to the town and it is thanks to the likes of Graham Shaw and the coaches of this great club.”

 

The parents of the young people that attend say that Graham and his fellow coaches are amazing with the children and they have so much fun.  The effort they put in is outstanding and come rain or shine they are always there.

Graham Shaw and Hindpool Tigers

Graham with the Hindpool Tigers – photo from G.Shaw

Graham and the club have subsidised trips to super league games in which the young people have been given the opportunity to mascot and appear on tv with professional players and teams at games which in turn helps drive interest into the sport and the local club.  He also organises charity events to raise money for Make a Wish foundation & also to help with the running costs of the Hindpool Tigers Junior teams. These events include parachute jumps, comedy nights & a fireworks display.    

Well Done Graham in helping make the sports people of tomorrow!

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

 

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.  


Citizen of the Year 2017 Nominee – Gill Grisedale

Gill Grisedale has been nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award sponsored by Furness Building Society.

Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor - Furness Building Society

 

Gill Grisedale is the Community Pastor at St Marks Chruch in Barrow-in-Furness.

Through her role she has provided groups and services that people in her community have express a need for.  Gill is never sat still going in and around the community, always compiling lists of available help and resources. Never has one person started so many different and diverse groups and is also heavily involved in making sure they are sustainable . From babies through to the elderly no one is unreachable and all can be helped or indeed help.

 

Gill working at the clothes bank. Photo – Evening Mail – Milton Haworth

St Marks has a fully functioning clothes bank, there is a free lunch provided on Monday, craft group and a toddlers group, social groups, youth clubs, youth cafe, free hugs and a caring word.  Gill does all this as well as being a mum and foster parent, wife and recently becoming a hedgehog adoption centre, there is nothing this woman will do to help everyone.

“You are trapped in a web of love and care when you meet Gill, she makes a difference to everyone she meets and is humble in all she does. An amazing lady with an amazing heart.”

Gill also works with homeless people, has an emergency food cache for those in need.  On one Christmas Eve, a young woman with children had escaped from an abusive partner and was given emergency accommodation so Gill and her family stepped in to help buy electricity and gas coupons, she went to the shops and bought a few clothes toiletries and then a few presents for the children’s christmas presents to make sure that family had a Christmas Day. 

The funding for Gill’s post ends later this year ( 2016 ) and there is little prospect of it being renewed but Gill has made some ripples in the sea of deprivation about us and has asked that her congregation and the wider community continue to do the same and continue with the good work. 

 

Well Done Gill, you are a shining light in the community!

 

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.  

 


Young Citizen of the Year Nominee – Jessica Grisedale

Jessica has been nominated for the Young Citizen of the Year Award Sponsored by Kimberly Clark.

 

Young Citizen of the Year Sponsor - Kimberly ClarkJessica Grisedale, Aged 11, has been nominated for having her hair cut off for charity.

Jessica Grisedale before the haircut!

Jessica before the chop! Photo Evening Mail – Milton Haworth

When Jessica found out that her friend Aimee was suffering from Leukemia and was going to lose her hair through chemotherapy,  she decided to step and and volunteer to have her 10 inches of hair chopped off, not only to help make her friend feel better about losing her hair but to raise money for charity and to donate the hair to other young girls who need to wear wigs while going through treatment.

Jessica Grisedale getting the chop

Jessica having her hair cut. Photo from Evening Mail – Milton Howarth

 

 

Jessica’s mother, Gill said that Jessica was so protective of her hair but as soon as she found out that Aimee was going to lose heres, she asked if she could give Aimee her hair.

 

“Jessica is always helping at events and is a caring thoughtful young lady who is so wise in her very young years.”  

 

Jessica had her hair cut during part of a fashion show at t Marks Church in Buccleuch Street, Barrow.

As well as donating her hair Jessica also raised over £800 for Ward 48 of the Manchester Childrens Hospital.  She also fund raises and takes part in collections for various organisations and is always first on hand to volunteer her time to help organise and plan events,

 

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.  

 


Citizen of the Year 2017 Nominee – Denis Horan

Denis Horan has been nominated for the Citizen of the Year 2017 Award Sponsored by Furness Building Society.Furness Building Society Logo

Who is Denis Horan?

Denis Horan is a local entertainer, singer, radio presenter and family guy – he’s a recognisable face around the town as he has been involved with many local fundraising events too.

dennis horan

Dennis Horan – Photo from D.Horan

Denis has entertained the population of Barrow for at least 15 years. This year, when the big town centre Xmas Light Switch On event was under threat of being cancelled, he put together a small group, met with the Barrow Council and has stepped up to the plate to organise, at very short notice, a community event to ensure the switch on of Barrow Christmas lights takes place.

“Denis is a lovely man, who over the years has given his time entertaining the town, also helping to raise money for many charities.  He has shown he is determined to support and entertain Barrow.”

Well Done Denis, keep the songs coming and keep entertaining the town, and good luck with the switch on!

If you know a person, a group, charity or business who deserves some recognition then you have until the 18th November 2016 to nominate them for a Love Barrow Award 2017.

[DKB url=”http://lovebarrowawards.co.uk/nominate/” text=”NOMINATE NOW” type=”large” width=”175″ color=”#f7b2bf” opennewwindow=”no”]

Please note all information is from the nomination form (s) and some information may be incorrect at time of publishing.