Unsung heroes honoured

EIGHT “community ambassadors” – unsung heroes who have made an outstanding contribution to local community life – were honoured at a civic celebration hosted by the Mayor of Warrington at Walton Hall.
The Mayor, Cllr Mike Biggin told guests: “The Community Ambassador Awards” recognise that our town wouldn’t function without our huge army of volunteers who use their skills and expertise to serve their local area.
“The people in our communities who give their time and efforts so selflessly are why Warrington works.”
There was an also a raffle which raised funds for the Mayor’s three chosen charities – The Fire Fighters Charity, St Joseph’s Family Centre and Claire House Hospice.
The eight award winners were:
William Smith – nominated for his voluntary work with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Post Fire Support Team which provides invaluable support to victims of traumatic incidents such as fire or flood.
Helen Curwen and Jean Unsworth – nominated for their contribution to the Purple Flag steering group at Stockton Heath.
David Parr – who leads a group of volunteers who clear up litter in the Whittle Hall and Westbrook areas.
Susan Blyth – who works tirelessly to help the most vulnerable in the community through her work at the town’s YMCA and their Room at the Inn shelter which helps people who are homeless.
Su Williams – who volunteers at Lymm Youth Club, runs Art in the Garden as party of Lymm Festival and is a long standing environmental campaigner and a member of the Low Carbon Lymm group.
Ellen Wheatley – who with husband Bill, has run run Mid Orford Residents Association for the past 10 years, encouraging local people to get out and enjoy the activities on offer in the area and running a successful Monday night social club. Sadly Bill died last year, but Ellen continues the work.
Stephen Murphy – a community engagement officer for the borough council for a number of years whose achievements include saving a local boxing club, helping young people get involved in projects to keep them off the streets and organising fundraising concerts, including one for Help the Heroes.
Rev Paul Hockley – vicar of St Paul’s Church, who leads the Churches Together Campaign which aims to fund a new church in Penketh.
Pictured: back: William Smith, Rev Paul Hockley, David Parr; middle: Helen Curwen, the Mayor, Stephen Murphy; front: Ellen Wheatley and Jean Unsworth.