The 11th annual Your Heroes awards, which are sponsored by the ScottishPower Foundation in partnership with Trinity Mirror newspapers, took place at the Ramada Hotel, Southport on 24th January.
In total 15 awards were given out to recipients living in Southport and South Lancashire area under categories for Schools, Young Heroes, Sporting Heroes, Teams, Special Recognition and Individuals.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Hero of Heroes award to an inspirational young girl who showed incredible bravery and courage in a very distressing situation – and ultimately saved her mother’s life.
Two years ago, Michelle Turner had a fall at work due to a then undiagnosed heart condition, and she began to worry it might happen again whilst she was alone with her daughter, Maya. Michelle drew a picture of an ambulance with 999 written on it and explained when it would need to be used to her young daughter, Maya, and then left it by the phone, hoping it would never be needed.
But when Michelle collapsed in her home seven months later, Maya quickly remembered the drawing and knew exactly what to do. The then-four-year-old dialled the number, and even better, she was also able to tell the operator her address and, despite being very upset and frightened, stayed on the phone for seven minutes until the paramedics arrived to help Michelle.
Another recipient winner was Rick Halsall, from Southport, who was recognised for raising almost £90,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust after his wife, Carol, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. She said: “We were shocked when we found out about the award, but I am really proud. It is great that Rick has done so much for the MS Trust, it’s a charity close to our hearts.”
The awards were presented by Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation. Speaking of the event, Ann said: “Your Heroes Awards provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the unrecognised work taking place every day within our communities. We are delighted to be again sponsoring the event and offer many congratulations to all the award winners.”