WARRINGTON came together for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the Inclusion Starts With Us Awards Night — an event created and driven by 15-year-old Nathan Jack Gerrard.
Nathan’s mission is to shine a light on inclusion, kindness and the people who make a difference every single day. Supported by his mum Amy Appleton, and inspired by his younger brother Arthur James, Nathan Jack brought the community together in a night filled with emotion, pride and unity.
The evening opened with a beautiful performance from Jess and Evelyn, both aged 10 and students of Amy J Sings. Their confidence, courage and talent set the tone for the entire night, filling the room with warmth and celebration from the very first moment.
Hosted by Johnathan Cliffe, with music from DJ Gary of Maura Entertainment, and media coverage by A&A Media’s Adam and Jon, the event was also honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Warrington, Mo Hussain, showing the town’s commitment to celebrating inclusion at every level.
Brave Steps Award – Winner: Thea Berry Webb Sponsored by Warrington Eats & Anika Indian Takeaway
Thea was celebrated for her quiet, deeply personal bravery — the kind that isn’t always seen, but is always felt. Her nominations described a girl who faces overwhelming moments with courage, takes steps forward even when filled with self doubt, and shows empathy beyond her years.
One of the most powerful parts of her nomination came from a family member who shared that Thea’s love and steady presence helped him through the most difficult time of his life. Her kindness, patience and instinct to care became a source of strength when he needed it most.
Her gentle support for others, her determination to try new things, and her ability to show courage even when she feels anxious made her a truly deserving winner of the Brave Steps Award.
Highly Commended: Evelyn Alexis Hyde
Guided Light Award – Winner: Miss Molly Kirby Sponsored by Mara Entertainment
Miss Molly Kirby, from Green Lane School, was celebrated for her extraordinary ability to connect with children who communicate differently. Her calm presence, lived experience and instinctive understanding help children feel safe, supported and valued. She reads cues others may miss, builds trust without needing words, and creates a sense of belonging for children who often find the world overwhelming.
Molly’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She leads the MacIntyre Great Communities Friendship Group, a space she helped shape to bring autistic people and those with learning disabilities together. Molly’s bravery — and her desire to connect others in similar situations, even when she felt anxious at first — is admirable. What began as her own step toward connection has grown into a supportive, welcoming community where people feel understood, included and valued.
Molly makes a quiet but powerful difference every single day, both in school and in the wider community.
Highly Commended: All Is Well Approach
Heart of Gold Award – Joint Winners: Lilly Davies & Isla Parkinson Sponsored by The Phone Whisperer
This year, the judges faced an impossible choice — two nominations so powerful and heartfelt that choosing one winner simply wouldn’t have been fair.
Lilly Davies, aged six, was recognised for the pure, instinctive love she shows her non verbal autistic brother, Oliver. Her patience, joy and natural understanding make her a shining example of what a heart of gold truly looks like.
Isla Parkinson was honoured for the quiet strength, empathy and unwavering support she gives her brother Max. Her presence brings him comfort, confidence and calm, and her compassion extends to her whole family.
Both girls embody the spirit of the Heart of Gold Award — and that is why they were celebrated as joint winners.
Unity Squad Award – Winner: RM ABC Boxing & Fitness Sponsored by More Than Men
RM ABC Boxing & Fitness were recognised for creating a space where everyone belongs — a gym built on understanding, patience and genuine care. What makes Danny and Sarah’s work so exceptional is their deep, lived understanding of SEND and mental health. They don’t just welcome people with additional needs; they understand them, adapt for them and stand beside them.
Families described how Danny and Sarah recognise anxiety, sensory needs and emotional overwhelm long before a word is spoken. Their approach is rooted in empathy — shaped by their own experiences as parents of children with additional needs — and this understanding has created a gym where neurodiverse individuals, anxious young people and those struggling with confidence feel safe, supported and truly seen.
RM ABC Boxing has become a lifeline for many. Young people who once felt unable to join clubs have found a place where they can breathe, grow and belong. Members shared stories of Danny supporting them through some of the darkest moments of their lives, offering structure, stability and a safe place to rebuild. Others spoke of Sarah’s calm, steady presence — especially for women who needed a space free from judgement, pressure or fear.
Their work goes far beyond boxing. It is mental health support, community connection and SEND inclusive practice woven into every session. They notice when someone is struggling. They celebrate every small win. They adapt without hesitation. And they make sure every person who walks through their door feels valued.
RM ABC Boxing & Fitness don’t just train people — they change lives. That is why they are this year’s Unity Squad Award winners.
Highly Commended: Burtonwood Bulldogs
Kindness Award – Winner: Charlie Wright Sponsored by Yellow Tree Crafts
Charlie was honoured for a kindness that is part of who he is — not something he switches on for praise, but something that lives in him every day. His nomination described a boy whose instinct is always to help, always to comfort, always to make someone else’s day a little easier.
Charlie’s kindness shows up in the quiet moments most people never see. He is the boy who notices when someone is struggling and steps in without being asked. The boy who offers reassurance when others feel overwhelmed. The boy who gives his time, his patience and his heart without expecting anything in return.
At home, Charlie has been a pillar of strength for his mum, supporting her through panic attacks with a maturity far beyond his years. He stays calm, speaks gently and brings comfort in moments that would be difficult for many adults to handle. His empathy is instinctive — he feels deeply, and he cares deeply.
Even while navigating his own challenges, Charlie continues to meet the world with gentleness and generosity. He doesn’t just perform acts of kindness.
He is kindness.
Highly Commended: William
⭐ Open Doors Award – Winner: Inclusive Sports 4 All Sponsored by Dovetail
Inclusive Sports 4 All were celebrated for removing barriers and opening doors for children with additional needs. Their SEND experienced team, adapted activities and nurturing environments ensure every child can thrive. Their impact across Halton and Warrington has been transformative.
Highly Commended: Buddy Up Film Night
Children’s Voice Award – Winner: Amelia Tichyard
Amelia was recognised for her dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals and ensuring their voices are heard. It was the strength of their voices — the people she stands beside, advocates for and uplifts — that inspired the creation of this award. Amelia represents what it means to listen, to champion others, and to use your own voice to make space for those who need it most.
Lifetime Friendship of Inclusion Starts With Us – Nuvvy Sibia
A tribute written by Nathan Jack
“We met through Buddy Up, but you didn’t just leave it there — you chose to stay.
You believed in me from day one and made sure I could be proud of myself.
You guided and encouraged me with my Autism Awareness animation, and supported my creativity — from designing at EE, to working with Nixon’s Vimto, to making sure my Manchester United drawing was seen and even submitted to their programme.
You helped my voice be heard on BBC Radio 5, and you’ve always been there: checking in, encouraging me, and celebrating every step.
You never asked to be recognised, but you always made sure I was.
I will always be grateful for the time we’ve known you, and for everything you’ve done — not just for me, but for so many others.”
This message captured the heart of the night — the power of friendship, loyalty and someone choosing to stay in your corner.
A Night Built on Heart
The Inclusion Starts With Us Awards Night was more than a ceremony — it was a celebration of the people who make Warrington kinder, more understanding and more inclusive.
The night was also supported by generous community partners, including The RGs for Truck and Events, who helped fundraise for and provide the buffet enjoyed by all. Their contribution ensured families could relax, share food and celebrate together — a reminder that inclusion is built not just on awards, but on people coming together to make moments special.
It was the vision of a 15 year old boy who believes that inclusion starts with everyday actions, small kindnesses and people choosing to lift each other up.
With Amy by his side and Arthur James as the heart behind the mission, Nathan Jack created a night Warrington will never forget.
Inclusion starts with us — and on this night, Warrington proved exactly what that means.
The Mayor celebrates with winners
