LOCAL heroes across the two counties have been recognised for their achievements.
Young people, teachers and volunteers were recognised at the Wyvern Local Hero Awards.
Listeners were asked to nominate ordinary people who have done extraordinary things by going the extra mile to give for others. There were 13 categories and the winners were announced at a ceremony at Alexander Park, Ledbury, in association with CrownGate Shopping Centre.
Programme director Simon Walkington said “The judging panel was blown away by all the stories we received. Sadly, we couldn’t award everyone but certainly those we did thoroughly deserved to be awarded.”
Child of courage
Kiera Jackson, aged eight, of Leominster. Kiera was diagnosed with acute liver failure and received a transplant four days later. Kiera won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Belfast Transplant Games in August.
Elliot Jones, of Fernhill Heath, was diagnosed with leukaemia in January just two weeks after his fifth birthday and has remained extremely brave.
Danielle Hefti, aged 11, of Worcester, was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the age of five. She had an operation to remove the tumour and her kidney and, in May this year, celebrated five years remission. In September, three days after starting high school, she was rushed to hospital with stomach pains – not related to cancer – but once again underwent major surgery.
Jonty Smith, of Pershore, was born prematurely, which resulted in left-side hemiplegia. He was never expected to walk, talk or feed himself but learned to do all against the odds and is now in his second year of school.
Best emergency hero
Phil Saville, of Malvern, is a hard-working step-dad who runs a shop and is an on-call firefighter and community first responder voluntarily.
Herefordshire’s best carer
Carol Wall, of Bromyard, gave up her career and social life to care for her mother and always puts her mother’s welfare first.
Herefordshire’s best neighbour
Laura Hulland, aged 14, of Bromyard, has donated her time to raise money for Buttons 4 Breast Cancer while juggling helping her mother with her illness and coping with the death of both her nan and auntie.
Herefordshire’s best teacher
Pauline Clarke, of Hereford, has worked as a teaching assistant for 22 years, but also works as a cleaner and school gardener – often going into school on weekends.
Worcestershire’s best carer
Yvonne Milne, aged 62, of Worcester, cared for a young boy until he died in 2009, ensuring that he lived life to the full. She has appeared in the media fighting to keep day centres open, and won. She now works at Osborne Court, Malvern, where she looks after disabled children.
Worcestershire’s best neighbour
Mum-of-two Karen Fitzer, of Droitwich, is the main carer for her husband who became ill last year and is unable to work, while also working part time at Wilkinson’s. She raises money for charity, including guide dogs for the blind, a charity she has been involved in for more than 10 years.
Worcestershire’s best teacher
Jimmy Phillips, an English teacher at Baxter College, Kidderminster, has seen his results improve by 32 per cent in the past two years thanks to his creative approach to teaching. He is an outstanding role model and is passionate about ensuring students achieve their potential.
Best sports achiever
Shawn Cannaway, from Warndon in Worcester, volunteered over three years ago to help run a football school on Saturday mornings to help give the young people of Tolladine, Brickfields and Warndon a place to go and play football. Despite a tough year, Mr Cannaway gives kids encouragement and a sense of belonging.
Wyvern unsung hero
Jayne Moran, of Worcester, was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of breast cancer 18 months ago. A keen canoeist, she continued to paddle on the river throughout her chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has also done a lot of voluntarily work for Worcester Canoe Club. She has also helped raise £650 for charity.
Parent/Guardian
Joanna Lofting’s son Jack was left brain damaged after contracting meningitis and septicaemia at 13 months old. At 15 years old, he now requires 24-hour care. Mrs Lofting, of Hereford, devotes her time to making her son’s life, and her family’s, as normal as possible while holding down her job to provide for her family.
CrownGate award
Steve Shaw, of Worcester, was nominated for being a “truly selfless philanthropist” who spends a great deal of time helping and supporting others in his roles as cub scout leader, a blood biker and a foster parent.
Volunteer award
Lydia Repton, of Worcester, Benefit account manager in Boots, visits women at St Richard's Hospice and offers them beauty treatments and make-overs.
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