Pride continues to uncover gems

Photo: Darren Robinson

He’s the readers’ choice: Riley Parrish.

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Pride in Oldham 2014 - all the winners

OLDHAM’s unsung heroes finally had their night in the spotlight at the 2014 Pride in Oldham Awards. Now in their 13th year, the awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community without expecting reward.


From heart-warming stories of triumphs over adversity to tales of sacrifice for the benefit of others, this year’s finalists across 11 awards proved Oldham has no shortage of dedicated people.

During a moving ceremony, hosted by broadcasting veteran Marjorie Stephinson MBE, the audience heard of the inspirational, selfless and often courageous acts that earned the nominees a place on the stage.

There was laughter and more than a few tears as the story of each finalist was revealed for the audience and winners announced.

Local dignitaries - including Mayor of Oldham Councillor Fida Hussain, local MPs Michael Meacher, Debbie Abrahams and David Heyes, Lord Davies of Oldham and Chris Hamilton, chief executive of Oldham Rugby League Club, acted as awards presenters.

Councillor Hussain said: “The people of Oldham do so much and it is great to celebrate them with these awards. They show just why Oldham is the best place in Greater Manchester and I am proud of everyone here tonight.”

Each finalist was given a commemorative Chronicle front page marking their achievement. Each winner also collected a special glass trophy.

The winners who stole the audience’s heart was Riley Parrish - who won’t forget his sixth birthday in a hurry. The entire audience applauded and sang “Happy Birthday” to the Special Achievement category finalist as the surprised youngster and his parents collected the Readers’ Choice award.

The surprises didn’t stop there as the Reverend Jean Hurlston was announced as winner of the Oldham Ambassador award for her dedication to the borough.

Each of the winners in the School, Voluntary and Group categories were also delighted to find out that the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro would also be making a donation to help them continue their work.

This year’s awards paid tribute to the fallen heroes of World War One, with images of Oldham’s war memorials played on screen while members of the Sapphire Blue Choir - made up of veterans and their families - sang.

Praise was also given to Glenn Dale and the Oldham in Bloom team after the town picked up the Royal Horticultural Society North West in Bloom award for the fifth year in a row, as well as taking home the top prize of “Best City” in the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Chronicle managing editor David Whaley thanked all the contributors to a “spectacular” evening and added: “We have to remember that while newspapers often carry bad news, there are also a lot of people out there with fantastic good news stories. Pride in Oldham is all about telling those stories.

The awards will be around for a long time, so these amazing people get the recognition they deserve.”




WINNERS


SCHOOLS AWARD

WINNER

Stoneleigh Academy

FINALISTS

North Chadderton School fundraisers and Eleanna Damianou, Blue Coat School



EDUCATION WORKER AWARD

WINNER

Sally Maders

FINALISTS

Donna Hirst and Pete Cassidy



BUSINESS AWARD

WINNERS

Age UK Oldham

FINALISTS

Royton Co-op Pharmacy and Millercare



PROFESSIONAL AWARD

WINNER

Samantha Bradshaw

FINALISTS

Kevin Lanham (Oldham Wheels for All) and Natalie Downes



HEALTH WORKERS AWARD

WINNER

A & E porters

FINALISTS

ROH Information Desk and Sue Fox



VOLUNTEER AWARD

WINNER

Sheila Crompton

FINALISTS

Mariam Waseem and Kath Haslam



SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

WINNER

Eva Royle

FINALISTS

Riley Parrish, and Leo Stott and Cara Oldham



GROUPS AWARD

WINNERS

Dr Kerhaw’s volunteers

FINALISTS

Oldham Street Angels and Springboard Oldham Dementia Carers



READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

WINNER

Riley Parrish

FINALISTS

Leo Stott and Cara Oldham, and Springboard Oldham Dementia Carers



LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE AWARD

WINNERS

Hillside Avenue, Clarksfield clean-up

FINALISTS

Walton Gardens, Failsworth and Ann Smith



AMBASSADOR AWARD

WINNER

Jean Hurlston