Lifesavers, fundraisers and volunteers celebrated at Your Heroes awards

Feb 7 2013 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

COMMUNITY heroes have been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.

Moving real-life tales of heroism and dedication from across Sefton and West Lancashire were relived at the prestigious Your Heroes Awards.

A total of 19 inspirational teams and individuals were rewarded at the annual event, sponsored by Advertiser publishers Trinity Mirror and Scottish Power.

From schoolchildren to pensioners, winners spanned all ages and backgrounds.

Lifesavers, fundraisers and sports coaches were among those whose efforts over the past year were celebrated at the Ramada Plaza, Southport.

A host of winners came from West Lancashire, plucked from the scores of nominations for their selfless work.

Among them was Amy Bresnahan, whose quick thinking saved the life of two-week-old Finley Vickers.

Busy serving customers at Bella Italia in Southport, the mum from Halsall rushed from her duties to give CPR to the baby after he stopped breathing. Her actions saved his life.

Amy was awarded one of five Person of the Year awards on Wednesday night.

Skem Men-aces have received a series of accolades since the disability football team’s creation in 2009.

Last week they scooped a Sport Hero award for their efforts last year.

Run by dedicated coaches Carl and Mim Eaton and their daughter, Sam, the club were awarded Special Olympics GB status, securing their reputation as one of the North West’s premier disability teams and opening up the potential for them to expand into other sports.

Southport & Ormskirk Hospital Trust also enjoyed success, with both the Breast Care Team and Neonatal Team picking up Team of the Year awards.

Delighted with the award, breast care consultant Nilema Tayal said: “I think the award is humbling and we are honoured.”

Inspirational 11-year-old Jess Purcell from Maghull won the Young Hero award for her tireless work raising funds for Sefton CVS.

Speaking after the event Andrew Edwards, editor of the Advertiser, said: “We had brilliant young people doing amazing things, we had senior citizens who have contributed to their communities over a lifetime. We’ve had lifesavers and schools with a conscience giving their time to raise funds.

“This was the night we recognised them and it was a fantastic event.”

Ann Loughrey, who is head of Scottish Power CSR, handed out the awards praised the winners.

She said: “Some of the stories we have heard have been humbling and incredible.

“One of the things that really appeals to me is: this is an awards nights, it’s one night, but the rest of the year these people are doing this work non-stop to help others.”