Standing ovation tribute to Leigh

SO PROUD . . . Leigh Carlisle’s mum Sheila Carlisle and stepdad Mark Skerratt receive the framed front page and Special Achievement category trophy from MP David Heyes (right).

Pride 2008 awards hit new heights

THE Pride in Oldham Awards’ first ever standing ovation honoured the memory of 28-year-old Leigh Carlisle who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year and brought this year’s event to an emotional finale.

Leigh’s proud mum, Sheila Carlisle, and step dad Mark Skerratt collected the Special Achievement award for Leigh’s courage and determination to fight the deadly disease as well as her fundraising efforts.

Leigh was the country’s youngest ever person to be diagnosed with mesothelioma — a deadly cancer associated with asbestos — when she was only 26.

But the brave young woman refused to give in and threw herself into volunteering for cancer charities as well as organising a raft of fundraising events.

Mum Sheila, who was clutching a photograph of her daughter as she went to collect the award said: “We nominated Leigh for this award before she died and she told me that there were far more deserving people than her and that is the kind of girl she was.

“She was so selfless and brave and I am so proud of her. It is lovely to receive this award in her honour and see people standing up to applaud for her — we are lost for words.

“We cannot thank the Chronicle enough for such a memorable day. Our daughter was watching over every moment.”

Another first for the Pride Awards was an acceptance speech via videolink from Australia.

Lee Wilds, who scooped the prize in the Education Worker category, impressed the judges with his work at Threshold which helps homeless people get their lives on track.

At the moment, Lee is in Melbourne for the Homeless World Cup 2008 and sent his smiling mum, Shirley Clifton, to collect his award.

On the film Lee spoke of his pride at winning his category and congratulated the rest of the day’s winners.

Foster carers Yvonne and Barry Cossins also had to send a stand-in to collect their award in the Professional category as they were sunning themselves on a Caribbean cruise for Yvonne’s 50th birthday.

Yvonne’s sister Karen Horton said: “They will be absolutely thrilled to win and I am so proud of them as they work so hard. They really love what they do and they will continue to foster children for as long as they can.”

The Heyside Angels scooped an amazing 14 out of a possible 15 trophies this year and added another one to the cabinet with a win in the Sporting Achievers category.

Chairman Steve Grice, who was individually nominated in 2004 for his commitment to the club, said: “We are all over the moon and I would like to congratulate all the girls for their incredible success.

“Everything seemed to go right in the season and I am so proud of the whole group.”

Also achieving sporting success was boxing instructor Frank Nightingale who has put his personal battle with cancer to one side to give youngsters in Failsworth a fighting chance.

Frank, who came top in the Sporting Administrators category, said: “It is brilliant to win because you find out that people appreciate what you’re trying to do. I’m lucky because all the kids I teach are absolute diamonds. Credit must also be paid to the parents and staff at Failsworth Sports Centre.”

Members of the Terence O’Grady Club, which gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to take part in activities and go on holidays, were overjoyed with their win in the Groups category.

Volunteer Gwen Postlethwaite said: “We are all over the moon. The club has been going since 1961 and it is very much a team effort. It’s really nice to come to an event like this and witness all the great things that are going on in Oldham.”

The club will use the money donated to them by the Oldham Metro Rotary Club for a trip to Blackpool.

Staff at Inspire Hair Salon in Royton thought they were just doing their job when they helped customer Karen Birley cope with losing her hair when she was diagnosed with cancer.

But Karen thought the salon deserved praise and her wish was granted as the salon came top in the Business category.

Owner Leanne Braithwaite said: “I don’t feel like we have done anything special for her but it’s really nice to know that we managed to help her through the difficult time. It is fantastic to win and I would like to thank my staff for working as such a great team.”

Dedicated carer Lynn Smallwood has provided a lifeline for Gary Rowbottom who is registered blind and has learning difficulties and her dedication saw her succeed in the Health Worker category.

She said: “I am shocked to win but very pleased and proud. The Oldham Carers Network provides a valuable and vital service so I would like to thank them for all their support.

“Lots of people would struggle without the help and support they provide.”

Pupils at Breeze Hill School certainly know how to make newcomers welcome thanks to their student support service — and their efforts were rewarded with a win in the Schools category.

Sally Hyman, teacher in charge of the new student supporter scheme, said of Breeze Hill School’s win: “We are both delighted and surprised to win. We are very proud of the children because it’s all about the job they do.”

Pupil Jing Wong added: “I had a little feeling we might win and we did. We are very happy.”

And the final two winners had the distinction of being nominated in two categories.

Scout leader Barry Ratcliffe said he was “honoured and privileged” to come top in the Voluntary category as well as being a finalist in the Readers’ Choice award.

Barry, who has volunteered with the scouts for 20 years and is assistant district commissioner for Oldham scouts, added: “I am especially pleased as it was the children that nominated me which means so much.

“I would also like to thank the children, parents and fellow scout leaders because we are all part of a huge team that couldn’t operate without everyone’s dedication and support.”

Pipping Barry to the Readers’ Choice award — voted for solely by the readers of the Oldham Evening Chronicle — were the Outreach Players — a reward for over a quarter of a century of dramatic delights.

The group of thespians, made up entirely of Oldhamers who have a disability, have consistently wowed audiences.

Daycare officer Sheila Salt, who founded the group, said: “We were very overcome to win. It was very emotional walking up to receive the award.

“We did not think we would win and were absolutely overwhelmed. .”

The Outreach Players were also short-listed in the Groups award.