PEOPLE and organisations who made outstanding contributions to the work of Warrington Disability Partnership over the last year have been rewarded.
The 25th “Appreciation of Efforts” awards took place at the charity’s annual meeting and volunteers, members of staff and others were among those receiving accolades.
The event celebrated a busy and very successful year which made a positive impact on the lives of disabled people.
Awards were open to the public to nominate individuals and organisations who they felt had gone the extra mile to improve the lives of local disabled people.
Those receiving awards were: Ruben and Elena, the youngest-ever award winners. This inspirational brother and sister raised thousands of pounds for Warrington Hospital, alongside being National Young Ambassadors for ADHD.
Steve Park and David Boyer, executive directors at Warrington Borough Council for encouraging the involvement of disabled people in the design stages of buildings and developments.
United Utilities for their support for disabled people and ensuring that accessible facilities are available for staff and visitors at all of their sites.
Birchwood Shopping Centre who have worked with WDP for over 27 years and have recently become host to the latest Mobility and Independent Living store and the extended Birchwood Shopmobility Scheme.
The Duck Pond Social Group for their extensive support given to WDP throughout the past year, which included their Five Years Face Your Fears Challenges: Creepy Crawly Day, Sexy Bingo, Santa’s Grotto, Disability Awareness Day and the Three Peaks Challenge.
Sarah Mathews, marathon runner extraordinaire. She completed 52 marathons in just 52 weeks, raising awareness of unseen disabilities and raising funds for WDP.
Pat McLaren, director of partnerships at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for her ongoing support to WDP including the development of the Mobility and Independent Living Service in Warrington Hospital, Disability Awareness Day and personally supporting WDP’s fundraising events.
Beth Trainer, a carer and a charity champion who supports a number of local charities and is Princess Elsa, or maybe Princess Jasmine from the Santa’s Grotto and Disability Awareness Day.
Westy Silver Service and Friendship Group for providing a variety of services in the local community which help reduce isolation, offers both social and educational activities for those who need it.
The Staff and Volunteer Awards also took place at the annual meeting. Nominations were taken for the various awards categories from staff and volunteers for people who made outstanding contributions to the work of the charity last year.
The successful nominees were
Volunteer of the Year Winner – Ellie Thompson; Volunteer of the Year Certificates – Ben Gemmell and Janet and Debbie from the OWCH Pain Management team
Best Newcomer (Volunteer) Winner – Sue McMillan
Best Newcomer (Volunteer) Certificates – Leigh Walmsley and Louise Trivass
Best Newcomer (Employee) Winners – Julie Darbyshire and Hilary Evans
Best Newcomer (Employee) Certificates – Debbie Gorvett
Employee of the Year Winner – Veronica Hudson
Employee of the Year Certificates – Sam Calderbank and Jane Pendlebury
Personal Development Winners – Paddy Toole and Laura Atkinson
Team of the Year Winners – Santa’s Grotto Volunteers
Team of the Year Certificates – The Independent Living Team
