Rochdale's Community Heroes

We've had a fantastic response to our first ever Rochdale Style Community Hero Awards, which recognise unsung heroes from across the Rochdale borough, who have gone above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic. We received so many incredible nominations and stories of kindness and community spirit.

Sixteen-year-old Charlie Miller, from Wardle, has won this year's Rochdale Style Community Hero Award, for making a difference in his neighbourhood.

At the start of the first lockdown, Charlie was asked by a neighbour if he would deliver his newspaper. Charlie agreed, but then his thoughts turned to the many other older and vulnerable residents who could benefit from a daily delivery. Charlie placed a notice in the paper shop and on Wardle Village Facebook page to see if anyone over 70 would like their newspaper delivered; a welcome offer taken up by many grateful residents. It meant Charlie had to get up at 7am, seven days a week for 17 weeks!

Cllr. Ashley Dearnley described Charlie as setting a 'wonderful example to young people' and Charlie's neighbour Janet Bracegirdle commented: "Charlie’s typical kindness and consideration came into its own during lockdown. He came with a smile every morning, was always on time, never letting us down. He was a welcome visitor at the start of each day and a source of comfort and reassurance as he checked that all was well within our bubble!".

Charlie has also received a commendation from Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester for his efforts.

Six-year-old Leo Poulter, from Whitworth, has been named as the Rochdale Style Young Community Hero, after spreading joy in his neighbourhood.

After breaking his arm in May of this year, Leo, who is registered blind, couldn’t continue to learn Braille or take part in his online dance lessons so he took up a more sedate hobby - planting sunflowers.

Mum, Sam Poulter, commented: "Leo wanted to give the sunflowers as presents to make people smile, so with social distancing in mind, we put them on the wall outside our house and advertised them as free. He got such amazing feedback and within a couple of hours they were all gone!". ⁣ After seeing how happy it made people, Leo spent the next few weeks planting a variety of flowers and vegetables.

The inspirational youngster also chalked a rainbow hopscotch and obstacle course outside his house. Sam added: "He spent most of his day watching people through the window and it made him laugh so much".

Leo has also raised over £145 for Guide Dogs for the Blind via his GoFundMe page and has recently decorated window flower boxes with rainbow heather to keep up the good work of making people smile.

Last, but by no means least, the Rochdale Style Keyworker Hero Award goes to 52-year old Yvette Stevens, from Middleton.

Yvette has been a source of comfort and support to many local people throughout a difficult time, working with Action Together as a community shopper throughout lockdown.

Not only has she delivered food, medicine and essential supplies, she has also become a friend to many Middleton residents who live alone, providing muchneeded company. For some, Yvette's visits provided their only social contact.

After lockdown restrictions were lifted, Yvette returned to her usual job at Rochdale Borough Council, but still kept in touch with residents.

Upon receiving her award, Yvette commented: "I feel really proud to have won the award. I enjoyed meeting lots of new people within the community. Over the months I have formed friendships with my regular customers who I shopped for and loved helping out. They were so appreciative and lovely people. It makes me feel like I’ve made a difference, no matter how small".

A huge thank you goes to the generous local businesses who offered prizes to our Heroes. Leo received a gift voucher from Rochdale town centre toy shop, ToysARoo, plus two special gifts from Number Ten Gift Shop on Baillie Street; Charlie received a gift voucher from Rochdale AFC Club Shop and a letter of recognition from the Club plus an Odeon cinema voucher and Yvette has been treated to a luxury socially-distanced spa package at The Retreat on St Mary's Gate plus a delicious afternoon tea from Brown's Cakes.

Congratulations to our deserving winners and thank you to everyone who nominated their hero.