Citizen of the Year 2013
Sponsored by Furness Building Society
Gail O’Neill
Some people do great things in their community not because of their job but despite it.
Although Gail works hard as a PCSO she was nominated for her charitable work, raising money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, St Mary’s Hospice, Alzheimer’s Charity and the Billy Barker Memorial by running in some of the UK’s top marathons.
Watch Gail’s Nomination Video Runners up : John Murphy & Monica PughWatch John Murphy’s Nomination Video
Young Citizen of the Year 2013
Sponsored by SDG Accountants
Rebekah Thompson
Some people we can’t judge in terms of years but in actions.
Rebekah was nominated for her ceaseless efforts to improve the lives of those around her. She works hard to raise money for charity including the British Heart Foundation and Save the Children.
Rebekah is also a keen angler, up giving her time to assist disabled anglers.
Watch Rebekahs Nomination Video
Runners up : Will Adams & Katie Samson
Watch Will Adam’s Nomination Video Watch Katie Samson’s Nomination Video
Group or Project of the Year 2013
Sponsored by Turnstone HR
Croftlands Trust
Some groups quietly make a difference, day in and day out, deserving praise but expecting none.
The Croftlands Trust was nominated for delivering services for adults with mental health issues, complex needs, substance misuse as well as support for older adults.
Watch The Croftlands Trust Nomination Video
Runners up : Four Groves Community Centre & Ormsgill Residents & Tenants Association
Watch Four Groves Nomination Video Watch Ormsgill’s Nomination Video
Carer of the Year 2013
Sponsored by Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group
Lyn Young
There are people out there who embody care and concern, helping out because it is in their nature to do so.
Lyn Young was nominated for her tireless work through the Croftlands Trust, providing valuable guidance and support to those who need it most.
Runners up : Sonjie Marshall & Holly Logan
Watch Sonjie Marshalls’s Nomination Video Watch Holly Logan’s Nomination Video
Teacher of the Year 2013
Sponsored by Baines Wilson
Lisa Massacks
We all remember that one teacher who helped and inspired us.
Lisa was nominated for her willingness to help and support the most vulnerable children both in and out of school.
She gives up her own time to ensure that the children have a safe and supportive learning environment.
Runners up : Wayne Brown & Victoria Smith
Watch Wayne Brown’s Nomination Video Watch Victoria Smith’s Nomination video
Courage Award 2013
Sponsored by Furness College
Joint Winners
Kerry Alexander
There are people in the community who give of themselves despite struggling with their own problems.
Single parent Kerry has been nominated for the help and positive attitude she gives all who cross her path, despite recovering from a heart transplant in 2012
Watch Kerry’s Nomination Video
Claire and Paul Coulston
Courage is not always about facing fear but overcoming more adversity than any one person could be expected to cope with.
Claire and Paul Coulston were jointly nominated for the good humour, dignity, bravery and determination they have shown the community in dealing with two huge challenges in the lives of their family
Watch Paul and Claires Nomination Video
Sports Volunteer of the Year 2013
Sponsored by A Holdens Ltd
Ian Jones
Without volunteers and support at a grass roots level, sport activities could not survive.
Ian was nominated on behalf of the Walney Wind Cheetahs, an organisation he helped start. The Walney Wind Cheetahs won the Run England Group of the Year 2012 for their work in getting individuals and families more active and healthy.
Runners up : Ricky Mason & Emily Armistead
Watch Rick’s Nomination Video Watch Emily’s Nomination Video
Environmental Volunteer of the Year 2013
Sponsored by Vattenfall
Junior Wardens
We can all benefit from a cleaner and nicer place to live.
The Junior Wardens were nominated for their efforts in improving the local community through environmental work such as recycling, planting bulbs and wild flowers to benefit local wildlife and building bird boxes.
All this is done in their own time at evenings, weekends and school holidays
Watch Junior Wardens Nomination Video
Runners up : Dowdales ECO Group & Pat Southward
Watch Dowdales Nomination Video Watch Pat Southward’s Nomination Video
Ambassador Award 2013
Sponsored by Sodexho
Councillor Anne Burns
Councillor Anne Burns has been a County Councillor since 1985, and more recently a Borough Councillor, representing Hindpool Ward and is described as a ‘real fighter for the town over the years, especially for the areas where poverty is an issue’.
Locally Anne is a member of Barrow CSP, the Neighbourhood Management Board, Furness Enterprise, Barrow Borough Sports Council and works as a school governor.
Anne has worked passionately for the Barrow community for many years and has been a strong voice for the town, both locally and at a County wide level. Her knowledge and support for local initiatives and projects is recognised by many agencies and partners, particularly her work involving children and young people.
Anne is rightly recognised as a ‘champion’ for domestic violence issues and has worked tirelessly to ensure Barrow receives appropriate support and resources in order to reduce the effects that domestic violence has on individuals and families. Anne is never frightened of challenging, but is always willing to listen and for these positive virtues she is well respected by many across the Borough.
For her unending work and drive to make Barrow a better place to live, work and flourish it is believed Anne rightly deserves the honour and recognition as a true ambassador for the town.
Watch Anne’s Acceptance Speech
Photographer- Love It Studios, Barrow.