Thursday night saw the annual Dee106.3 local heroes awards at the Mercure hotel. Sponsored by Virgin money, and hosted by the Dee team, the awards celebrate exceptional and amazing people in the local area. This year saw a record number of nominations for the 11 categories.
Business of the year went to The Bren Project. The Hoole based social enterprise have set up a bike workshop and offers training and support to people with autism or learning difficulties. http://www.brenproject.org.uk/
The Eco award went to The Real Junk Food Project. The group who campaign against food waste run pop up cafes, cooking with food that would otherwise have been wasted. https://therealjunkfoodprojectchester.wordpress.com/
Outstanding Sports Person of the year went to Jim Green. The former sports reporter for the Chronicle won the award for his work as chairman of Chester Gladiators rugby league team. Jim was praised for developing rugby league in the area, particularly supporting after school clubs. “It just goes to show what people can do if they work together” he said.
Pupil of the year went to Emily Hawthorne of Cherry Grove Primary school. Emily was praised by her teacher for her extra curricular activities, including drama, film club, sports, cookery and learning the piano.
Teacher of the year went to Roz Flanders of Parklands primary school. She dedicated her award to every pupil of the school saying that they “shined like diamonds”.
The Young Achiever award went to Lauren Foulkes. Nominated by her father,23 year old Lauren founded “Vocalize” , a community choir based in Saltney with over 40 members. http://vocalizevocalgroup.webs.com/about-us
Parent of the Year went to Sue Tushingham. Sue raised 9 children, cared for her husband for 6 years and recently took over car of her granddaughter. She downplayed her achievements saying that parenthood was “just a thing you do.”
Carer or the Year went to Emma Perkins Worley. Emma received her award from the managing director of Chester Home Care Services and was praised for her dedicated care of her husband and her eldest son who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Act of Courage went to Lexi Till who, 2 years ago donated her bone marrow to save her brothers life.
Volunteer of the Year went to Gary Horton for his work as Treasurer of Miles of Smiles. He paid tribute to the team of fundraisers.
Child of the Courage went to young Cameron Rowley for his bravery after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer
After the awards MP Chris Matheson said that it was an “inspirational evening, when we see ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Its brilliant of Dee 106.3 as well, they are very much a part of the community. In the 13 years they have been going they have made themselves the centre piece of Chester. For everyone that’s won, there are 10 more that could have won, there are so many special people here, whose work goes unheralded.”
Well done to all winners and thanks to the team from Dee106.3 for organising a great event.
The Chester blog 
Reblogged this on and commented:
Congratulations to all winners of awards at the Local Hero ceremony last night!