Chadwick Lawrence Support First Unsung Heroes Awards

Chadwick Lawrence showed their support of the first Unsung Heroes Awards, organised by the Community Foundation Wakefield District.

Held at Unity Works on 9^th June 2017, the event was hosted by Christa Ackroyd and welcomed 150 guests from across West Yorkshire.

Having received close to 100 nominations, the judging panel had a difficult task of narrowing these down. The 13 finalists, once announced, were filmed during the weeks leading up to the awards to gain an insight into the amazing work that they do. Invitations were sent out to readers of the Wakefield Express and Ridings FM to vote for the person who they believed made the biggest impact on local needs.

While all nominees were classed as winners in their own right, the five recipients of trophies were Sharon Firth, Kaz Williams, Stephen Greatorex, Issac O’Connor and Ted Helliwell.

Sharon Firth has spent the last 26 years creating awareness of autism in the local area, and has dedicated her time to supporting over 100 local families who are affected by this condition.

Kaz Williams of Children of Normanton Support Team (CONST) has dedicated her time to supporting children from a wide range of backgrounds, with the help of her team, for many years.

Stephen Greatorex and his team have, for many years, empowered less-able individuals to take part in sport both in the local community and beyond.

Issac O’Connor, the youngest award winner at 17, has spent the last 4 years volunteering with his peers at Rycroft Youth Club.

Ted Helliwell was awarded for his volunteer work at Second Chance Headway in Wakefield, helping many people with life changing brain injuries for over 20 years.

The winner of the public vote was Sarah Padden, who regularly opens her business, Café 19, to the many homeless people of Wakefield. Here she provides them with food, clothing and emotional support and provides them with a space to take a step back from living on the streets. She also regularly goes out on an evening to deliver hot meals and other supplies to those in need.

In a surprise announcement from Sir Rodney Walker, the president of the foundation, who was also showing his support of the event on the night, was that he intended to make a donation of £500 to each of the thirteen short-listed nominees to enable them to further their volunteering activities.

Other notable guests included the Mayor of Wakefield Councillor Kevin Barker and Mayoress Kirsty Barker, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire (representing the queen), David Dinmore Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Adeem Younis, Chairman, of The Penny Appeal.

To wrap up the evening, John Major from the Community Foundation outlined its future plans, which included the launch of a new Youth Social Action Fund Grants Programme, and a reminder to guests that the needs of the District’s elderly people are being addressed through the Elderly Persons Social Isolation Fund which is still open for applications.

Overall, the evening was a great success. These awards are set to become an annual event and guests were invited to put Friday 8 June 2018 in their diaries as the date for next year’s event.

Peter Harling, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence and member of the organising committee, commented “Chadwick Lawrence are a long-time supporter of the Community Foundation Wakefield District and were proud to sponsor this year’s inaugural Unsung Heroes Awards night which was without a doubt a huge success.  Well done to all of the 100 nominees, the 13 who were shortlisted for an award and the 6 eventual winners who put simply are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  The money raised on the night will be used wisely by the Community Foundation Wakefield District, providing much needed funds to local groups that make a difference”.

Sarah Wood, Partner at Chadwick Lawrence and Trustee of Community Foundation Wakefield District, also commented “There were some very worthy nominations on the evening all of which were winners.  A very enjoyable and emotional evening was had by all attending”

The staff that attended from Chadwick Lawrence are pictured above. (L-R) Adele Whitehead, Natalie Glover, Sarah Wood, Chritsa Ackroyd (the host), Adele Guest, Cheryl Largue, Rebecca Payne and Kayleigh Needham.