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Community Foundation Wakefield District reveals the 10 finalists for the People's Choice prize at its annual Unsung Heroes awards

Leanne Clarke
·5-min read
Who gets your vote? (Photo: s)
Who gets your vote? (Photo: s)

The campaign shines a light on people in the district who work tirelessly and selflessly to make the lives of other people better in some way.

The foundation’s judging panel chose ten finalists from the ninety nominations received. Votes are now welcome to determine who should receive the People’s Choice award.

Murray Edwards, Community Foundation Wakefield District’s executive director, said: “We received an unprecedented number of nominations this year, and each one showed just how much of an impact local volunteers are making across our district.

Julie is the founder of Bless, an organisation based in Upton that runs a plethora of workshops, classes and social events for local residents of all ages, many of which are elderly and isolated. ‘She works so hard and is well known and respected in the community. She is always friendly and approachable, with a lovely big smile. Julie has a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and is making a big difference to so many.’ (Photo: s)
Julie is the founder of Bless, an organisation based in Upton that runs a plethora of workshops, classes and social events for local residents of all ages, many of which are elderly and isolated. ‘She works so hard and is well known and respected in the community. She is always friendly and approachable, with a lovely big smile. Julie has a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and is making a big difference to so many.’ (Photo: s)

"It’s been a real pleasure to spend time with all of our finalists.

"A short film detailing the nature of their nominations will be shown at the Unsung Heroes award ceremony, which will take place at Wakefield Cathedral on October 6.”

Here are the 10 finalists.

To vote for your winner, visit www.wakefieldcf.org.uk

Laura runs a number of cheerleading classes in Normanton for children—from toddlers to teens. She was herself a cheerleader from a young age and you can clearly see the passion she holds for the activity. ‘Laura does all the music, and all the choreography. She teaches the classes around her full-time job, and throughout performance season she will even hold extra sessions. The children all adore her.’ (Photo: s)
Laura runs a number of cheerleading classes in Normanton for children—from toddlers to teens. She was herself a cheerleader from a young age and you can clearly see the passion she holds for the activity. ‘Laura does all the music, and all the choreography. She teaches the classes around her full-time job, and throughout performance season she will even hold extra sessions. The children all adore her.’ (Photo: s)

The closing date for voting is Friday, September 22.

Tickets for the Unsung Heroes awards ceremony are still available, which includes a three-course dinner. For more information, visit www.wakefieldcf.org.uk

James is not someone who stands still for long. He is a volunteer for many different causes and organisations across the Wakefield district, around his full-time job supporting children with special needs. These include the Forget-Me-Not Hospice, the CGCC Food Bank and the Boy’s Brigade in Ossett. ‘He never stops, he’s just incredible!’ (Photo: s)
James is not someone who stands still for long. He is a volunteer for many different causes and organisations across the Wakefield district, around his full-time job supporting children with special needs. These include the Forget-Me-Not Hospice, the CGCC Food Bank and the Boy’s Brigade in Ossett. ‘He never stops, he’s just incredible!’ (Photo: s)
Mark, who runs the boxing club at the Monica Graham Centre in Kettlethorpe, received the most nominations. Together with his amazing team of helpers, Mark makes a huge impact on the lives of the young men and women he supports. ‘Mark is absolutely committed to giving young people a sense of purpose and a feeling of achievement. He puts them on a positive path and never looks for praise or thanks.’ (Photo: s)
Mark, who runs the boxing club at the Monica Graham Centre in Kettlethorpe, received the most nominations. Together with his amazing team of helpers, Mark makes a huge impact on the lives of the young men and women he supports. ‘Mark is absolutely committed to giving young people a sense of purpose and a feeling of achievement. He puts them on a positive path and never looks for praise or thanks.’ (Photo: s)
Claire launched her ‘Crafty Creatives’ club in Outwood for people coping with cancer, in a bid to provide some escapism and after receiving a diagnosis herself. ‘She helps people make friends and learn new skills and she has shared her story to raise awareness of cervical cancer.’ Different from your typical cancer support group, Claire’s sessions are full to the brim with fun, laughter and lots of different kinds of crafting. (Photo: s)
Claire launched her ‘Crafty Creatives’ club in Outwood for people coping with cancer, in a bid to provide some escapism and after receiving a diagnosis herself. ‘She helps people make friends and learn new skills and she has shared her story to raise awareness of cervical cancer.’ Different from your typical cancer support group, Claire’s sessions are full to the brim with fun, laughter and lots of different kinds of crafting. (Photo: s)
Joan’s involvement with the Normanton Knights Rugby Club stems from her family’s love of the sport. This has underpinned her long service to the club, which has totalled more than twenty years. ‘She tirelessly devotes her days to the club, which enables over 300 children and adults to participate each year, plus the many hundreds of volunteers and supporters. The club is the hub of the community and allows young people, including girls, to learn important life lessons, such as teamwork, fitness and discipline. (Photo: s)
Joan’s involvement with the Normanton Knights Rugby Club stems from her family’s love of the sport. This has underpinned her long service to the club, which has totalled more than twenty years. ‘She tirelessly devotes her days to the club, which enables over 300 children and adults to participate each year, plus the many hundreds of volunteers and supporters. The club is the hub of the community and allows young people, including girls, to learn important life lessons, such as teamwork, fitness and discipline. (Photo: s)
Elisabeth Hibbert and her late husband, Ernest, set up the Community Awareness programme in Wakefield more than 25 years ago. In that time, they’ve helped thousands of homeless people and individuals in need of support. ‘Her unwavering dedication and commitment are unparalleled. She deserves to be recognised for all she’s done for the people of this district.’ (Photo: s)
Elisabeth Hibbert and her late husband, Ernest, set up the Community Awareness programme in Wakefield more than 25 years ago. In that time, they’ve helped thousands of homeless people and individuals in need of support. ‘Her unwavering dedication and commitment are unparalleled. She deserves to be recognised for all she’s done for the people of this district.’ (Photo: s)
Alison is a highly valued, popular volunteer of the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract. In her spare time, she gives reiki sessions and spiritual guidance to terminally ill patients. ‘They really benefit from Alison’s treatment and support, and she never misses a chance to help them. She’s a very caring individual who throws herself into her work.’ (Photo: s)
Alison is a highly valued, popular volunteer of the Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract. In her spare time, she gives reiki sessions and spiritual guidance to terminally ill patients. ‘They really benefit from Alison’s treatment and support, and she never misses a chance to help them. She’s a very caring individual who throws herself into her work.’ (Photo: s)
‘The whole team at Pontefract Community Kitchen are heroes,’ says Ann Lancaster, on behalf of her fellow volunteers, all of whom have been chosen as one of our ten finalists. One of their nominators, who believed their efforts should be more widely recognised, added: ‘The whole team works tirelessly to ensure the community of Pontefract has the opportunity to receive food parcels and cooked meals each week. The kitchen is open three days a week; however, the operation is a seven-day-a-week commitment, as the volunteers continuously collect food from local supermarkets and outlets, and as they put together and deliver crisis food parcels for people in need.’ (Photo: s)
‘The whole team at Pontefract Community Kitchen are heroes,’ says Ann Lancaster, on behalf of her fellow volunteers, all of whom have been chosen as one of our ten finalists. One of their nominators, who believed their efforts should be more widely recognised, added: ‘The whole team works tirelessly to ensure the community of Pontefract has the opportunity to receive food parcels and cooked meals each week. The kitchen is open three days a week; however, the operation is a seven-day-a-week commitment, as the volunteers continuously collect food from local supermarkets and outlets, and as they put together and deliver crisis food parcels for people in need.’ (Photo: s)
Lilly is the winner of our Outstanding Young Person award, but she could also be the public’s overall winner, too. At just eight years old and as a young carer, Lilly copes with more than many adults have to contend with. Her mum, Vicky, adds: ‘In lockdown, Lilly did a sponsored walk for Hemsworth Park nursing home, raising over £300. She also completed another walk for Barnsley Hospital’s children's ward, raising £360. She donated 112 Easter eggs to children in A&E and dressed up as Alice in Wonderland to deliver them. We are so proud of our little girl, who continually wants to do more and more for others. (Photo: s)
Lilly is the winner of our Outstanding Young Person award, but she could also be the public’s overall winner, too. At just eight years old and as a young carer, Lilly copes with more than many adults have to contend with. Her mum, Vicky, adds: ‘In lockdown, Lilly did a sponsored walk for Hemsworth Park nursing home, raising over £300. She also completed another walk for Barnsley Hospital’s children's ward, raising £360. She donated 112 Easter eggs to children in A&E and dressed up as Alice in Wonderland to deliver them. We are so proud of our little girl, who continually wants to do more and more for others. (Photo: s)