1 THX-E01-S3
Pride of P lymouth
In association with
AWARDS 2013
Sponsored by
/theplymouthherald
@plymouthherald
#heraldpride
2
Pride of P lymouth In association with
AWARDS 2013
■ Herald reporter PATRICK DALY gives readers the rundown on the nominees for our Pride of Plymouth awards
THX-E01-S3
#heraldpride
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
THE Pride of Plymouth awards are finally upon us. Tonight our nominees in 12 categories will gather in the lavish ballroom of the Duke of Cornwall hotel in the city centre for a prestigious awards dinner. The awards, brought to you by The Herald and Plymouth City Council, will crown a hero of the city, a young hero and animal hero. It will announce a winner in each of the emergency services, armed forces, lifetime achievement, good neighbour and community group categories. And then finally the audience will hear who has been named carer, fundraiser and teacher of the year. And last, but certainly not least, we will announce who is the overall Pride of Plymouth as chosen by the judges; Ian Wood, editor of The Herald, Blanche Sainsbury, managing director of The Herald, and Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council. Young singer Shaheed Jafargholi, whose unforgettable performance on Britain’s Got Talent earned him a place alongside legendary artists at a memorial concert for Michael Jackson, will sing live at the awards ceremony. He will be joined by members of the Mark Jermin Stage School. The school is one of the UK’s leading theatre schools, training young performers aged four–18 years in all areas of the performing arts. The Herald would like to thank all those who entered into the spirit of the awards by sponsoring a category. Thank you to: Michael Spiers, IU Energy, Babcock International, Devon Furniture, Tanners restaurant, TaxiFirst, Right Price, Care UK, Wolferstans, Walter Parsons and Plymouth Community Homes. Thanks also to the 150-year-old Duke of Cornwall hotel for agreeing to host this glittering event.
You’re all winners already! DIFFICULT TASK: judges Tudor Evans, Ian Wood and Blanche Sainsbury consider their verdict Herald editor Ian Wood said: “Tonight’s nominees are the lifeblood of our community without whom our city would not be the great place that it
is. Plymouth is full of unsung heroes who don’t often receive the praise they truly deserve. We’re delighted that tonight’s awards have gone some way to making sure you are recognised for the bravery, selflessness and dedication you demonstrate as part of your everyday lives. “The Herald is delighted to have worked with Plymouth City Council on the inaugural Pride of Plymouth Awards and we look forward to recognising many more unsung heroes in years to come.” Blanche Sainsbury added: “The high level of entries and the achievements of our nominees speaks volumes about Plymouth as a place to live and work; each one of our finalists is already a winner. “I cannot wait to meet so many inspiring people at tonight’s award. It feels only right that we dedicate this occasion to you and the selfless
Lifetime achievement
Pride o
attitude you have in making this city a better place to live. You are an example for us all. “I hope you have a fantastic evening.” Councillor Tudor Evans said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked at the range of exceptional people nominated for the Pride of Plymouth awards. I know it shouldn’t come as a surprise because this city is full of wonderful people. “The stories behind the nominations were incredibly moving. They really highlighted the generosity of spirit and willingness to help others that we want to celebrate. “All of the nominees should be recognised as exceptional and the winners are the best of a very good bunch. It makes me proud that we have so many individuals and groups willing to do so much and this is our chance to say thank you. “Congratulations to all of those nominated and to all of those who pick up an award at the Pride of Plymouth ceremony.”
AWARD
Sponsor: WALTER C PARSONS
SHORTLIST Katrina Hanmer Glynis Lidster Anne Scarfe
THREE inspiring women have made the shortlisted in the Lifetime Achievement category. Business owner Katrina Hanmer, dedicated volunteer Anne Scarfe and Devonport devotee Glynis Lidster were all singled out by the judges. A winner will be announced at the awards dinner at the Duke of Cornwall hotel. Katrina Hanmer runs the two Ron Dewdney shops in the city after marrying into the famous Plymouth pasty-making family. She managed to co-ordinate the opening of the second shop, a cooperative partnership between the company and a small supermarket chain, while battling a serious illness.The 36-year-old said: “I always wanted to have a second retail shop. We have one outside the dockyard but it was designed around serving those workers. I realised that I couldn’t just sell pasties so we looked at partnering with someone else. “We were starting the preparations for the shop when I found out I was ill. I went for radiotherapy treatment, where for three days I was nuked within an inch of my life. All that was happening while the shop project was going on. “I don’t feel inspirational. I felt like I was just doing my job which was what I need to do. It’s nice to be recognised though and I’m very touched.” Glynis Lidster, aged 61, is the manager of the Welcome Hall in Devonport. Formerly from Sheffield, she has been serving the community in her paid and volunteer roles for the last 10 years. Along with managing the centre, a community resource for people living or working in the area, Glynis also runs a number of clubs and groups. She said: “I feel embarrassed that people think
#heraldpride
Katrina Hanmer I’m good. I’m no better than the next person. My life began at 50 when I came here to Plymouth. I found my niche in life. I love my job, it’s what keeps me going. “The children and the elderly are my main priorities as we need to battle isolation. I was a one-parent family for a lot of years and I love dealing with the children and taking them out for activities and picnics.” Glynis also opens the centre on Christmas Day to serve lunch to those who would otherwise be on their own. But she says it’s not all her doing: “I’m not on my own. I have a great board of trustees.”
Glynis Lidster Anne Scarfe, from Eggbuckland, is no stranger to awards. She recently won recognition in the Local Hero category at the Pride of Britain awards. The 86-year-old volunteers at Mutley Baptist church, the Shekinah Mission, helps run a soup kitchen and can often be seen patrolling the streets in the early hours looking after worse-forwear drinkers with other Street Pastors. The former Ayreshire woman has lived in Plymouth for 24 years and said she enjoys doing her bit for the city. She said: “The reason I volunteer is because God has been so good to me. It is one way for me to help others. You might not
Anne Scarfe believe it but a lot of people do not know what it is like for someone to care for them. I do care for them and I do love them. Some of the homeless do not know what a cuddle is like and these are things people need. “I love the people in Plymouth, they are special people. I have been to quite a few places and I think we are very fortunate here.” Alan Mead from sponsors Walter Parsons funeral directors said: “It is a wonderful occasion to reward someone who would normally go unnoticed. A lifetime of hard work unrecognised should be recognised.”
3
Pride of P lymouth In association with
AWARDS 2013
Sponsor: TAXIFIRST
SHORTLIST
Pride of Plymouth
#heraldpride
Bernie Evans Andy Stearnes Clive Easter
Sponsor: PLYMOUInTHassociation with CITY AWARDS 2013 COUNCIL
Three of those inspirational characters have made the shortlist in the Teacher of the Year category. The judges picked the candidates for their commitment to young people which they felt went “beyond their everyday role”. Headteacher Bernie Evans, football coach Andy Stearnes and college lecturer Clive Easter were all put forward. Hyde Park junior school head, Bernie Evans, trained at what is today known as the University of St Mark and St John. The mother of two worked at Laira Green, Estover and Widey Court primaries before joining the school where she has been headmistress for the last eight years. The school has received two “outstanding” Ofsted inspections in that time. She is also a national leader in education and as part of that, she works with other schools to help them improve. Widowed in 2011 after husband Julian, a senior manager at Derriford hospital, passed away, she has kept up standards while being a single parent to Jenny, 18, and Jack, 16. Speaking about her love of teaching, she said: “It is always about the children. No two days are the same. That creative thinking has always got a place and that keeps me motivated.
#heraldpride
“I go all over the country and I come back so proud to be a head here in Plymouth. We are light years ahead of other parts of the country. I think my headteacher colleagues are quite stunning as a group.”
Bernie Evans, with daughter
He says sport has to be about developing the person and not simply about winning. Married to Tanya, with two boys of his own – Bradley, 12, and Charlie, 10 – Mr Stearnes coaches football on Saturday mornings, Thursday evenings and during the school holidays. The 50-year-old said: “It is not about putting pressure on them to win. We want to enhance their skills and other things, such as accepting defeat and seeing what they do well and to focus on that. I want them to go on and be better people.” Clive Easter was formerly an engineer and researcher for 18 years before converting his skills into a teaching qualification. After stints teaching in Essex, Peterborough and London, he moved back to Plymouth for the third time in his life to marry his wife Audrey in 1998. Since 2012 he has been a permanent teacher at City College, taking engineering students through both theory and practical workshops. His nominator remarked that he had a natural aura when it came to dealing with hungry minds. Mr Easter said his greatest pleasure comes from “knowing that I have done the best for my students. It is the whole raison d‘etre of being a teacher. The satisfaction of knowing that you have helped someone and informed and enlightened them. “I try and use empathy to meet their needs. Everybody is individual and does not have the same needs so I try and work to meet them.” A spokeswoman for category sponsors TaxiFirst said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Teacher of the Year award. As a company, we deal a lot with all the local schools and are an integral part in getting children to and from school. Being a teacher is such an important role and we wish all the nominees good luck.”
plymo
Pride of P lymouth
EVERY person has that teacher who lingers long in the mind for how motivating they were.
Tor Bridge High teacher Andy Stearnes was praised not just for his classroom skills but his ability to get the most out of youngsters on the football pitch.
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
THX-E01-S3
Teacher of the year
#heraldpride
Clive Easter
Andy Stearnes
EACH and every category at the Pride of Plymouth awards is brimming with stories of the brave, the selfless and the humble who work only for the good of their loved ones and the community. The Pride of Plymouth Award, sponsored by Plymouth City Council, offers us the chance to recognise one outstanding person, or group of people, who epitomise what tonight’s ceremony is all about. Throughout the categories, we have heard stories of ordinary people who go above and beyond the call of duty in order to help others. Those who have saved animals from the clutches of death; others who spend every waking hour caring for a family member or even a stranger they have welcomed into their home; or people who go that extra mile to make sure our streets are safe and our children are taught well. The winner or winners of this award have been chosen by the judges to mark their exceptional contribution to Plymouth’s community. An unsung hero whose efforts deserve to be known by each and every inhabitant of this, Britain’s Ocean City. Leader of chief sponsors Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans, said: “A ceremony like this can sometimes seem like just a smooth, polished and superficial event, but not the Pride of Plymouth. “Our ceremony is an opportunity to see the grit and determination that you need in life to do something that really counts, to make a difference to other people’s lives. The nominees really have put themselves out; they’re doing far more than ‘their bit’.”
plymouthherald.co.uk/prid
In as
4
AWARDS 2013 Pride of P lymouth In association with
AWARDS 2013
Good neighbour
THX-E01-S3
#heraldpride
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
SHORTLIST John Foy John Perrin Janet Kinnersley-Taylor NEIGHBOURS who have gone well beyond providing their fellow residents with a cup of sugar have made the shortlist for a Pride of Plymouth award. Three kindly souls were put forward in the Good Neighbour category, which is being sponsored by Plymouth Community Homes. John Foy, John Perrin and Janet Kinnersley-Taylor were all nominated because of their generous behaviour. John Foy set up a street safety campaign after becoming concerned about the welfare of children in Beatrice Avenue in Keyham, where he lives. He said: “I basically got fed up with people thinking they could do what they want. There are children playing and it’s designed one-way for a reason. “I started off by just explaining to people that it was oneway but I felt ignored. Other people were not happy and tried to do something but they were only getting abuse. “I thought, I’m 30 years old. Maybe I’m in a prime position to get this started. I want where I live to be safe and for people to get on and be a nice community. “The situation was starting to grate on me. I thought I could either stand there and moan or do something about it.” He organised a meeting between residents, councillors and MP Oliver Colvile while also setting up a Facebook page to keep people up to date. John Perrin moved into a block of flats at Stillman Court near the Barbican, three years ago. The 58-year-old has devoted his time and money to transforming the residents’ garden. He single-handedly cleared rubbish and overgrowth and
Sponsor: PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY HOMES
has spent hundreds of pounds of his own money on plants to brighten up the place. Mr Perrin said: “Neighbours have said how it is a pleasure in the summer to see what’s growing. People stop and look and say how nice it is and how it makes a change that someone is making an effort. “Beforehand it was just shrubs and rubbish and a mess. I was fed up with looking at it and thought I would try and improve it and make it look nice.” He said he was humbled to be nominated for the Good Neighbour Award. “I think it is wonderful,” he said. “I am shocked that somebody has taken the time to do this. I also feel humble; there are other people out there who deserve it. It is nice for someone to put me forward.” Janet Kinnersly-Taylor has an open-door policy when it comes to helping out her neighbours. The retired solicitors’ office manager was nominated for how she insists that no task is too much trouble, despite being recently widowed herself. The Eggbuckland resident said: “It is a lovely neighbourhood to live in. I take in the post if people are not here and if anyone’s washing machine goes down they come in and use mine. It’s not a problem and I know they would do exactly the same for me.” The 68-year-old has even been known to let neighbours shower in her house when their facilities have stopped working. She added: “They are very good to me. When my husband John died from lung cancer, despite never having smoked, they all rallied behind me. There’s never been a cross word or falling out amongst us.” Clive Turner, chief executive of sponsors Plymouth Community Homes, said: “We are pleased to support the Pride of Plymouth awards and particularly the Good Neighbour category. “We’re all about building strong communities and good neighbours are a key part of that. People who go above and beyond the call of duty for their neighbours deserve recognition for their acts of kindness.”
#heraldpride
John Foy
John Perrin
We’re About Community
We believe a strong, thriving community is important for everyone, no matter where they live or who they are. Our residents are united in their love for where they live and are proud of what they are achieving. We want to help shape Plymouth’s future. Building communities begins on your doorstep and by working together, we can all create communities everyone can enjoy.
plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk
make it happen
plymouthher
5
Pride of P lymouth In association with
AWARDS 2013
SHORTLIST
Detective Constables Glen Baird and Wayne Talbot The Devon Air Ambulance Police Constable Dawn Carter THOSE on the frontline of protecting the public will be recognised at the Pride of Plymouth awards. The judges chose their shortlist in the Emergency Services category, sponsored by Michael Spiers jewellers, from a strong list of nominations. Detective Constables Glen Baird and Wayne Talbot, the Devon Air Ambulance and Police Constable Dawn Carter made the final shortlist. DC Baird and DC Talbot were put forward after their dedication in bringing prolific sex offender Gary Richards, from Honicknowle, to justice. The pair sifted through thousands of hours of videos seized from the 56-year-old’s home when investigating allegations of rape, child abuse and sexual grooming, and listened to harrowing accounts from victims. DC Glen Baird said: “I’m honoured to think that someone has taken the time to nominate us. Because of the nature of our work, and to ensure confidentiality, most of what we do is not seen by the community. For someone to recognise our work, and that of all childabuse investigators in Plymouth, is very rewarding.” DC Talbot added: “We often find ourselves listening to someone’s intimate account of their life when they are at
Sponsor: MICHAEL SPIERS
their lowest and have little faith that their disclosure will actually bring the offender to justice. It is satisfying to know that sometimes we can make a difference.” The Devon Air Ambulance was put forward for its work in saving lives, sometimes in remote rural areas. Chief executive Helena Holt said: “To be shortlisted means a great deal. We have been nominated by the people we are here to help. It is heartening for us because the people who nominated us are those who are also fundraising to keep us airborne.” The service has two helicopters, one based in Exeter and the other at Eaglescott in North Devon. They are often seen flying patients into Derriford hospital, a major trauma centre. Pilots cover a vast area including coastal paths, Dartmoor and 9,000 miles of roads. PC Dawn Carter was highlighted by members of the public for her positive and long-standing work in the community. She started off as a police cadet in 1980, signing up to the Devon and Cornwall force two years later. She served in Bodmin, Devonport, Crownhill and Plympton before becoming neighbourhood beat manager in Plymstock 16 years ago. “I was in disbelief about the nomination,” said PC Carter. “It is nice to get recognised for the work you do, but I see it that I’m just doing my job. I’m honoured. You do become quite well known in the local area; people know they can call me and I will try to see them.” A spokesman for sponsor Michael Spiers added: “We congratulate all the nominees and recognise those who go beyond the call of duty to show an outstanding commitment to others. Plymouth is a wonderful city and one which is right to celebrate outstanding achievement.”
Community group
#heraldpride
#heraldpride
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
THX-E01-S3
Emergency services
plymouthherald.co.uk/p
Pride of P l
DCs Glen Baird and Wayne Talbot
AWARDS 2013
PC Dawn Carter Devon Air Ambulance
Sponsor: WOLFERSTANS
SHORTLIST
The Halcyon Centre Stage Stars Special Olympics
#heraldpride
SHORTLISTED community groups at the Pride of Plymouth awards spoke of their joy at being recognised for their work. The Halcyon Centre, Stage Stars and Special Olympics Plymouth and District have all been shortlisted for the Community Group Award, sponsored by Wolferstans Solicitors. Stage Stars is a theatre group for young people which has just celebrated its 10th year. Founder Scott Wieprecht said: “We found out we had been shortlisted on the day we were celebrating our 10-year anniversary, so that made it a really nice day. We even changed the day’s celebration programme to incorporate the nomination.” Mr Wieprecht set up the group when he was
The Halcyon Centre
Stage Stars
aged only 16. He explained: “I felt there were quite a few people who couldn’t afford to pay the charges for theatre groups. Drama was my hobby and I loved it and I wanted to create somewhere where everyone could go without discrimination.” The Special Olympics Plymouth and District were nominated after their success at the National Games in Bath. The athletes, who all have learning difficulties, brought home 13 medals, including four golds, in August. Co-founder Maureen Stockdale said: “The nom-
ination means a lot. We were flabbergasted when we found out. “It means that people are starting to appreciate what’s happening here in Plymouth. The service we are providing is so important and that’s being recognised, which is fabulous.” The Halcyon Centre, based in North Prospect, is used to support the community, especially the vulnerable. Centre development manager Wendy Davis has volunteered and worked at the centre for the last 20 years.
Thrilled to be affiliated with Pride of Plymouth
Special Olympics
Wolferstans proud sponsors of the Community Group category of the Pride of Plymouth Awards, would like to wish all nominations the best of luck.
She said: “It’s great to have recognition because it has been years of hard work. We are always trying to raise our profile as this place provides such a lifeline. Everything we do is open to the community. We put on anything they ask for.” The Dingle Road centre currently does not have the money to keep things going, however. Mrs Davis added: “We are subject to funding and we don’t have it to stay open. Plymouth Community Homes is building a new community hub and we are hoping that will accommodate the groups from March.”
We have been helping the people of Plymouth solve their legal problems for over 200 years. Whatever your legal needs, speak to us first for friendly, affordable, specialist legal advice. Call us on 01752 663295 or visit www.wolferstans.com Here for you when you need us.
www.michaelspiers.co.uk 52 - 54 Cornwall Street, Plymouth, Devon PL1 1LR 01752 661981
plymout
Your local legal experts Outstanding legal knowledge with confidence Main Office: Deptford Chambers, 60/66 North Hill, Plymouth, PL4 8EP Tel: (01752) 663 295 Fax: (01752) 672 021 Website: www.wolferstans.com
6
Pride of P lymouth In association with
AWARDS 2013
Animal hero
THX-E01-S3
#heraldpride
Sponsor: RIGHT PRICE WINDOWS
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
SHORTLIST
Emma Harris Sergeant Pen Farthing PDSA Plymouth WHETHER it was for their own pet or for one they met in a war zone, all three nominees shortlisted for Animal Hero of the Year have incredible stories to tell. Emma Harris, Sergeant Pen Farthing and PDSA Plymouth have all made the final cut in the Pride of Plymouth awards category. The award, sponsored by Right Price Windows, will honour a person or group who has dedicated themselves to improving the welfare of animals. Twenty-year-old nursery worker Emma Harris stepped in to save her boxer puppy when it had an allergic reaction to a bee sting. She was able to give CPR by pumping on dog Lola’s heart until she came back around. Speaking about what happened, she said: “It does feel a bit heroic now I look back on it. I would 100 per cent recommend people to learn first aid. She added: “Lola is fine now. She’s absolutely perfect. You wouldn’t know anything had happened to her. Even the day after she was back to normal.” Sergeant Pen Farthing served in Afgh-
anistan with 42 Commando and was inspired to set up a charity for stray dogs after finding two half-starved Alsatiancrosses. The Royal Marine formed the Nowzad Dogs Charity which helps rehome stray dogs in Afghanistan and source medical supplies from Pakistan. He said: “When I rescued a fighting dog from the streets of Helmand back in 2007, I had no idea just how much my life would change. Sitting here now in Kabul at the first and only animal welfare shelter and clinic, and having been nominated for The Herald Animal Hero Award, is just an amazing feeling. Thank you to all who nominated me, it is very appreciated.” The animal charity PDSA, which recently relocated from the city centre to Derriford, has been in the city for more than 60 years. It provides free veterinary care for people who are on means-tested benefits like council tax or housing benefit. Senior vet Robert Newcombe said: “When people become unemployed and fall on hard times they can call on us to help with their pet so it means they don’t have to give it up. “We like to have community links and we’re proud to be a part of Plymouth. We already know how much we’re supported through our shops in Mutley and Cornwall Street, everything we make is generated through donations. But it’s lovely to get recognition from the community.”
#heraldprid
Pride of P lymouth Robert and Lynn Newcombe from the PDSA (below)
In association with
AWARDS 2013
Emma Harris
Fundraiser of the year
Sergeant Pen Farthing
Sponsor: INDEPENDENT UTILITIES
TWO big hearted fundraisers and a city-wide appeal have been singled out for attention at the Pride of Plymouth awards. The Hugs for Henry campaign, grandfather David Whitfield and mother Jo Bloomer have made the shortlist in the Fundraiser of the Year category, sponsored by Independent Utilities. The team driving the Henry Hallam Appeal have so far raised £150,000 since it was launched earlier this year. They are supporting the little four-year-old from Stoke who is bravely battling neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer. Huge swathes of the community have been involved in trying to raise half a million pounds which may be needed to send him to America for unique treatment which is not available in the UK. His mother Elsbeth Hallam said: “We don’t know about Henry’s prognosis over the next five years; it’s poor compared to other cancers. He only has about a 20 to 40 per cent chance of surviving the next five years. “So it’s important that if we do need to go abroad, we have the money there. We haven’t been able to partake in a lot of the fundraising activities but we hear about everything and it’s so comforting to know how hard everybody is working.” Entertainer David Whitfield lost his grandson to Tay-Sachs, a rare terminal genetic disease. He was diagnosed in 2010 and died a year later, a little before his third birthday. Grandad David visited him before he passed away when he was staying at the Children’s Hospice in Barnstaple. He has since dedicated every moment of spare time to raising money for the charity. The 56-year-old regularly holds a dinner in memory of Ethan, attended by 300 people. The last one raised £6,000, with £4,800 going to CHSW and the rest to Teddy Bears for Loving Care which buys cuddly toys for young hospital patients. The city centre resident said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to have been nominated and I can’t tell you what it means to have made the shortlist. I can barely make words to describe it. “I vowed when Ethan died that I would raise as much money as I could for the hospice. I did not want recognition. I did it out of the love of it and because of my big soft heart.” Jo Bloomer’s four-year-old daughter Lola was diagnosed with Ataxia-Telangiectasia or A-T, an
SHORTLIST The Hugs for Henry campaign
#heraldprideDavid Whitfield plymouthherald.co.uk/
The Hugs for Henry Campaign; inset Henry Hallam
David Whitfield
Jo Bloomer
Jo Bloomer with Lola incurable degenerative condition which causes severe disability and premature death. She is one of only 100 children in the UK to suffer from the genetic condition and most of those with it will not live past their 20s. The City College lecturer from Plympton has raised £40,000 for the A-T Society since the diagnosis. Mrs Bloomer arranged parachute jumps, theatre performances, triathlons, baby shows and football tournaments to support them. The 43-year-old explained that because so few people have the disability, funding is hard to come by. “If involved parents like myself don’t do something, then no one will. “The Government is not prepared to put money into medical research. They did think it was 60 people in the UK that suffered from A-T but now more information has been made available, that’s gone up to 100. Some had been misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy.”
In association with
Pride of P lymouth
7
AWARDS 2013
In association with
AWARDS 2013
Carer of the year
Sponsor: CARE UK
#heraldpride
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
THX-E01-S3
SHORTLIST
Sue Holt Elaine Allan Ian Young Roslyn Collins Mavis Parkin Pam and Glynn Dale PEOPLE who have dedicated their lives to caring for others have been placed in the limelight for their selfless work. Four carers and two families which foster have made the shortlist in the Carer of the Year category at the Pride of Plymouth awards. Sue Holt, Elaine Allan, Ian Young, Roslyn Collins, Mavis Parkin and Pam and Glynn Dale all made the final list. Eggbuckland resident Sue Holt has looked after Ed, her husband of 40 years who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, for the last four years. She said there are good and bad days but she is thankful her husband still has his sense of humour. She said: “There have been frustrating times and you don’t always feel as if you have real conversations when someone has dementia. “I’m luckier than a lot of people, though. Ed’s long-term memory is fine. “He says to me that I’m a good wife and that he could always bring someone back to the house as it is always clean. I say to him, ‘Well, I’m doing nothing else.’ As long as he has something in front of him to eat then he is happy – especially if it’s a pasty.” Ian Young, from Honicknowle, became the sole carer to his daughter Caroline, who has “cerebral palsy and everything associated with it”, when his wife passed away in 2008. The 82-year-old said: “Caroline keeps me going.
#heraldpride
Sue and Ed Holt
Ian and Caroline Young
She can’t talk, read, write or walk. That’s the situation I’m in. She’s very good, mind. She keeps me young. If it was not for her I would have packed up by now. Together we’re all right.” Caroline recently had police and crime commissioner Tony Hogg write to her to thank her for a painting she did for him which now hangs up in his office. Her dad had the letter framed and put up in their house. Rosyln Collins, from Whitleigh, looks after her son David, who is blind and has severe learning and physical disabilities. Her children put her forward, saying: “We wholeheartedly believe that our mum is a true unsung hero and a wonderful carer. She deserves recognition for the absolute devotion, care and unconditional love she has given my brother and us.” Elaine Allan, 56, and husband Alexander have provided a foster home to Catherine, aged 18. They looked after her for a year when she was just
Why choose us? • Short waiting times • 95% family and friends would recommend us* • 100% record of having no nasty superbugs like MRSA • Clean and modern environment with single sex wards • Consultant-led care • Free car parking To find out more, call 01752 506070 or speak to your GP Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre, 20 Brest Road Plymouth International Business Park, Plymouth PL6 5XP Tel: 01752 506070 peninsulatreatmentcentre.nhs.uk *Friends and Family Test September 2013
Mavis Parkin
14 months old and then 10 years ago took her back in after both her grandparents died. The teenager was so touched at her godparents’ kindness that she nominated them for the award. Mrs Allan, from Estover, said: “I was surprised to hear she’d nominated me for this. I’m not one for the limelight. I like to just plod along. My children were shocked at first when we took her on. But they have been brilliant and have supported me all the way through.” Mavis Parkin has battled it all. Her husband Larry, 93, has been bedridden for the last 14 months with terminal cancer. She cares for him around the clock, with just 10 hours respite a week. She uses her Friday afternoon to visit her 101-year-old mother at her nursing home. The Ham resident does all this despite having had a hip replacement in May and a rod put in her spine a few years previously. As well as her own worries at home, her son-inlaw died recently, 10 days after being diagnosed
Looking for high quality orthopaedic surgery on the NHS without the wait?
Choose Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre
Roslyn and David Collins
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
Pam and Glynn Dale
with cancer. She said: “I have had a lot of kicking but you have to carry on or you go under.” Pam and Glynn Dale have cared for four longterm foster children and numerous other shortterm respite visitors. Mrs Dale, 53, said: “I can’t believe what we have got out of it. I will be fostering even in my 70s and 80s. I have been on every training course put on by the council’s children’s social care department. There could be one line from one of those courses which changes the way I deal with a child.” The Lipson woman also helps to recruit new carers and is part of the Skills to Foster programme. Helen Jamieson from sponsors Care UK said: "As a healthcare provider, Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre believes the Carer of the Year award reflects its values of care and commitment. It’s important that carers of any kind are recognised for what they do and the benefits they bring to others.”
8 THX-E01-S3
Proud to sponsor the Pride of Plymouth Armed Forces award www.babcockinternational.com
Pride of P lymouth In association with
Pride of P lymouth
9
AWARDS 2013
In association with
AWARDS 2013
Sponsor: BABCOCK
#heraldpride
SHORTLIST
for the Royal Marines charitable funds and takes recovering patients surfing in Cornwall. The father of four said: “I find it very rewarding to meet up with patients afterwards. Some of them have horrendous injuries but they are still tremendously fit. None of them wish they were dead. They’re incredibly motivated.”
Corporal Andrew Netherton Surgeon Commander Anthony Lambert Lieutenant Colonel Ed Dawes
A NAVY lieutenant, reserve medic and a surgeon have all been shortlisted in the Armed Forces category at the Pride of Plymouth awards. Readers sent in their nominations for servicemen and women who they thought had gone “beyond the call of duty.” Corporal Andrew Netherton, Surgeon Commander Anthony Lambert and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Dawes all made the shortlist in the category, which is sponsored by Babcock. Father of one Cpl Andrew Netherton has been in the Army reserves for 11 years and served in Afghanistan. Away from life on the front line, he works for Plymouth City Council as an environmental health officer. Despite being singled out for his efforts, the 6th Battalion The Rifles member is humble about his nomination. The Olympic torch bearer said: “We live in Plymouth so I’d seen the awards in The Herald and then we saw my name in the paper. “It’s all a bit strange. It’s sort of sunk in but I’m
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
Pride of P lymouth
#heraldpride
Speaking about making the shortlist, he said: “It was a really big surprise. Gobsmacked is one way of putting it. I do a job like anyone else does. If someone gets injured and needs you then you have to get on with it.”
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Lieut Col Ed Dawes, was singled out for the way he has sought to work with communities within thewith city. In association
Cpl Andrew Netherton
AWARDS 2013
Surgeon Commander Anthony Lambert
still not sure why I’ve been nominated – but it’s nice that I have been. “I was really lucky in Afghanistan, I had some injuries but nothing too bad. I did do a stint in Camp Bastion and saw a few things come through but actually on the ground we were very lucky.” Royal Navy surgeon Anthony Lambert has
He has publicly backed HMS Heroes’ work and also ran a project working with children in armed forces families to highlight the difficulties they can face in school.
Lieut Col Ed Dawes
Speaking after the premiere of a video he helped the children make, he said: “I think they been in an array of war zones since 1988, includ- have produced something of great value, not just for schools but service families too, who someing Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. times find it difficult to talk about these issues at Along with carrying out vital surgery, his home. The military community is very proud of nominees commended how he takes an interest in these young people.” the rehabilitation of Marines he has worked on. He has also represented his regiment at He organises regular charity rugby matches memorial services held in the city for the fallen.
Young hero of the year
Sponsor: TANNERS
SHORTLIST Jasmine Bayley Charlie Mabey Ash Jackson Jack Northmore Jack Davis Henry Hallam
SIX determined youngsters have been shortlisted in the Young Hero of the Year category. Jasmine Bayley, 14, Charlie Mabey, 15, Ash Jackson, 16, Jack Northmore, 14, Jack Davis, 15, and Henry Hallam, aged four, were all put forward by the judges in the category sponsored by Tanners restaurant. Jasmine Bayley has focused her time on raising money for four charities which helped in her own battle against a brain tumour. The Hele’s school pupil from Plympton said: “I have been fundraising for a variety of charities because they have done so much for me.” By organising activities such as bag packing at supermarkets and holding a chocolate tombola, she has managed to raise £5,000. Speaking about her nomination she said: “I was shocked because I did not realise what people thought of what I did until I was nominated. It made me feel happy.” Coombe Dean pupil Charlie Mabey helped save a man’s life after seeing him fall into the water along the Barbican. The youngster from Wembury said: “My only thought was to get him out of the water as quickly as possible. I thought, I can’t just leave him to die. I heard he has made a full recovery, which is good.” Ash Jackson was born with severe deformities in his legs and has endured 15 operations in 14 years to try to rectify his posture. Despite that, he is determined to be a champion hand cyclist and represent Great Britain at the Paralympics in Rio in 2016. “My main goal is to send a message to people that you can do something even if you are disabled,” he said. “It sounds cheesy but it should be my mum getting this award. She’s been in and out of hospital with me and I can’t remember her not being there for me. That means a lot.” In the last five years, 14-year-old Jack Northmore has raised more than £1,000 for cancer care and research by taking part in sponsored sporting challenges. Earlier this year Jack, from Cornwood near Ivybridge, beat dozens of older swimmers to
#heraldpride
Jasmine Bayley
Charlie Mabey
finish fourth in a 4km breakwater swim in Plymouth in aid of prostate cancer charity, the Chestnut Appeal. He said: “When you are driving around you see charity posters by the side of the road, and I like to give myself a challenge. I am proud of what I have done, and am very lucky to be nominated.” Little Henry Hallam is battling the childhood cancer neuroblastoma. His parents are trying to raise half a million pounds in case their “superhero” son needs to go to America for further treatment. Mum Elsbeth, 29, said: “I heard there had been quite a few online nominations for Henry. That people have taken the time to nominate him is fantastic. We’re very proud of him and it’s nice to think that others are too.” Jack Davis, a pupil at Plymstock school, was put forward for his work in raising awareness about Tourette’s Syndrome. The teenager from Devonport, who suffers from involuntary facial tics and head movements, has set up his own charity. Speaking to The Herald at the time, he said: “I have overcome the bullies and the low self-esteem and have dedicated the last 12 months to setting up my charity. If I didn’t have this then I wouldn’t be me. This has happened for good, because I can take it further and make it a success.” Sponsors Tanners added: “We are inspired by the actions of young people in the community and feel honoured to be sponsoring this award.”
Ash Jackson
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
Jack Northmore
Jack Davis
T A N N E R S RESTAURANT
Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunchtime and evening dining Reservations: 01752 252001
Prysten House, Finewell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AE
www.tannersrestaurant.com
CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN
Henry Hallam
THX-E01-S3
Armed Forces award
THX-E01-S3
10
11
Pride of P lymouth In association with
Sponsor: DEVON FURNITURE
#heraldpride
plymouthherald.co.uk/pride
THX-E01-S3
Hero of the year
AWARDS 2013
SHORTLIST Jill Oxley Matthew Gilbert George Bennett
THREE inspirational characters have been shortlisted in the Hero of the Year category. Organ donor campaigner Jill Oxley, battling teenager Matthew Gilbert and courageous university student George Bennett made the judges’ final list. Jill Oxley lost her son Jon Paul to chronic cystic fibrosis last year. Since then, she has campaigned to get the law changed on organ donation. Currently, people have to choose to donate their organs but, at the request of her son, she is trying to alter that to an “opt-out” system. She has more than 600 local signatures but the petition would need to secure the support of 10,000 people nationally before it can go to Parliament. The 56-year-old grandmother said: “Jon Paul asked me, his dad and his sister to try to get the rules changed. The benefits of an opt-out system are that people get to live longer. As my son said, they are no good to you dead.” “Donors at the moment have to make sure they tell their loved ones because if they do not know about their wish, they can say it shouldn’t happen.” Ivybridge youngster Matthew Gilbert dedicated himself to raising awareness of male cancer and much-needed cash for research, despite knowing he was dying. The remarkable 19-year-old lost his battle for life just three months ago. But in that time, more than £7,000 has been raised through the sale of his poetry book, The
#heraldpr
Jill Oxley Gilbert Collection. He became well-known for creating a list of things to do before he died, including meeting his favourite band Kaiser Chiefs and eating lobster thermidor. His mother Sharon, father Tim and sister Hannah are continuing his legacy. Tim said: “It’s quite humbling to know how many people’s lives he’s touched and that people wanted to nominate him.” Hannah added: “It’s great that he’s being recognised because he was so very brave and he did do a lot in terms of fundraising, even when he was terminally ill.” Third shortlisted nominee, geography student
Matthew Gilbert
George Bennett
George Bennett, was a “have-a-go” hero who to be recognised, but that is certainly not why I intervened to prevent a young woman from being did it. mugged in St Jude’s. “The victim was screaming and being thrown The woman was accosted by two assailants who around like a rag doll. It was clear something attempted to steal her bag but Mr Bennett, aged 21 serious was going on. I would do it again if I found at the time, fought them off. He gave chase before myself in the same position.” George said he was “gutted” the muggers got being assaulted himself, leaving him with a black away. He said he tussled with them and they eye. exchanged punches. “I had bruises and cuts,” he Judge Paul Darlow at Plymouth Crown Court added, “but it was nothing lasting. The victim awarded him £250 for his bravery. kept all her stuff and they were arrested, so that’s Mr Bennett, who has since graduated from great. It makes it all worthwhile.” Plymouth University, said afterwards: “I honestly The Hero of the Year award is being sponsored wasn’t expecting anything. I am proud. It is nice by Devon Furniture.
BEST QUALITY GREAT PRICES
PINE & OAK FURNITURE, DIVAN BEDS & MATTRESSES, CANE CONSERVATORY SUITES AND SELECTED HOME FURNISHINGS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! The Biggest Choice of Pine & Oak Furniture
Christian Mill Business Park, Tamerton Foliot Road, Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon PL6 5DS
email: sales@devonpine.co.uk web: www.devonfurniture.co.uk LARGE FREE CAR PARK phone: 01752 702040
12 THX-E01-S3
CARING PLYMOUTH Caring for children and adults in the city plymouth.gov.uk