An internationally renowned sculptor, the CEO of Saltbox and former Lord Lieutenant Sir Ian Dudson were also recognised at the Your Heroes Awards ceremony, which was organised at University of Staffordshire and sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Woolcool, Potteries Educational Trust, GivEnergy, PREM Management and Shepherd PR.
The likes of actress Rachel Shenton, TV presenter Nick Hancock, former British Middleweight boxing champion Nathan Heaney and Olympian Jazmin Sawyers presented prizes at Festival Park's DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The awards ceremony was the culmination of a six-month campaign during which groups and individuals were nominated by people within their own community.
Following a black-tie dinner, 27 awards were handed out in categories including Hero of the NHS, Child of Courage, Carer of the Year and Uniformed Hero.
An audience of more than 260 people heard stories of unconditional love, daily struggles, selflessness and determination.
The evening was hosted by the awards’ founder, Martin Tideswell, Director of Commercial Strategy at University of Staffordshire.
He said: “We are unashamedly local and proud as we celebrate the unsung heroes from across our communities. Young and old, individuals and groups, the courageous and the selfless. The very best of us.”
The first award, which was presented by the Oscar-winning actress Rachel Shenton, saw three children named joint winners of the Child of Courage accolade. Kieran Hankin, who fundraises for charity despite having life limiting conditions, Paige Collins, who helps others despite awaiting an operation for a hole in her heart, and Skye Hemmings who at nine years old is already a carer for her mum and older sister, all had their moment in the spotlight.
Every Your Heroes winner received a bespoke trophy designed and created by Newcastle-under-Lyme-based engineering firm KMF Group. Child winners also received University of Staffordshire goodie bags plus prizes including tickets for the Regent Theatre panto, Alton Towers tickets, a Port Vale matchday experience, Stoke City match tickets and signed merchandise and afternoon tea at World of Wedgwood.
BAFTA-nominated actor Amit Shah handed over the prizes in the Future Star category, designed to recognise young people aged 21 or under who have shown progression and growth in the last 12 months with the potential to achieve greatness in the future.
KMF engineer Kayleigh Simm, Team GB ju jitsu star Ellie Burndred and 12-year-old fundraiser Alfie Simcox were all named joint winners.
Graham Phillips and Catherine Morris of Voice of Hope were presented with the Inspiration in Education Award in recognition of their work raising awareness of modern slavery. TV’s Nick Hancock also presented prizes to highly commended winners Step Up To Higher Education and Kieran Pestridge.
Businessman and fundraiser Nathan Walton received the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year Award from Olympian Jazmin Sawyers, who also presented highly commended awards to Jamie Palmer and Pat Roberts.
Nurse Joanne Blackburn, who is awaiting a kidney and pancreas transplant, was presented with the NHS Hero prize by former middleweight boxing champion Nathan Heaney. Highly commended prizes went to Sadie Bennett and the UHNM maternity team.
Mothers Mind Staffordshire was named Community Group of the Year. Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, also handed highly commended prizes to Swanbank Methodist Church and Middleport Matters.
Long-serving Dougie Mac employee Lynn Parkin was named Carer of the Year. Colonel Tim Sandiford OBE, the last commanding officer of the Staffordshire Regiment, also handed highly commended carer prizes to foster carers Jock and Sue Irving and foster care support worker Marie Plant.
Fighter pilot Commander Nathan Gray presented the Uniformed Hero award to PC Bethany Cottrell and PC Natalie Millward in recognition of their remarkable bravery in the line of duty.
Firefighters Louise Ball and Ben Kelly and police officers Sergeant Andrew Hogan-Hughes, PC Martin Green and PC Luci Williams were highly commended.
Stoke City footballer Lewis Baker presented a Civic Pride Award to Lloyd Cooke, the CEO of Saltbox, in recognition of his decades of tireless hard work for Stoke-on-Trent.
Warrant Officer Greg Hedges and Sergeant Watchman VI presented a Civic Pride Award to Lord Lieutenant Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE in recognition of his many years serving as the monarch’s representative in the county.
The final award of the evening, presented by representatives from Port Vale Football Club, went to internationally renowned sculptor Andy Edwards whose work included the statue of Lemmy in Burslem.
The evening’s musical entertainment was courtesy of Teachers Pet School of Rock, with entertainment also provided by poet Nick Degg.
The organisers of Your Heroes would like to thank the following companies for their contributions: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, KMF Group, The Regent Theatre, Alton Towers, Crossrhythms Radio, Port Vale FC, Stoke City FC, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and World of Wedgwood. Thanks must also go to the evening’s sponsors, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Woolcool, Potteries Educational Trust, GivEnergy, PREM Management and Shepherd PR.