The Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards take place this evening as we shine a light on the selfless, dedicated and inspirational people in the Harrogate district.
The glitzy awards ceremony will be held at Rudding Park thanks to our headline sponsors O’Connor Chiropractic and Vida Healthcare.
After a difficult judging process, we've whittled down the nominations to three people/groups/workplaces across ten categories.
And ahead of the event, we're taking a closer look at some of our amazing local hero finalists...
Child of Courage
Charlie Thompson
On 14th August last year, 6-year-old Charlie and his parents' lives got turned upside down when they noticed lumps under his chin - some large and others the size of marbles in his hair line and going down his neck.
On 18th August, Charlie was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Since then Charlie has gone through countless tests, treatments and procedures including bone marrow and chemotherapy... And he has amazed his parents with how brave he is!
Charlie's mum, Victoria Thompson, said:
"Charlie has amazed us with how brave he is and braver than us at times, he is bossing it, and bosses the doctors and nurses about!
"We’re just so proud of Charlie and his bravery. We as a family have a long road ahead of us and it makes it that little bit easier knowing we have all the love and support from those around us."
Parent/Guardian of the year
Sarah Barlow
Sarah Barlow has been nominated by her daughter Katie for showing “exceptional dedication and unwavering support” for both her family and the wider community.
Sarah always puts others before herself and will do anything for someone in need. When her daughter contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia, Sarah became a passionate advocate for Meningitis UK.
She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease and helped countless families navigate the struggles she herself had faced.
Together with her husband, Sarah has raised thousands of pounds for the charity. In recent years, Sarah has become a successful businesswoman, owning and operating a local laundry firm.
Yet she sees her role as far more than just providing a service.
For her elderly clients, she goes above and beyond by ensuring they are comfortable, fed and well cared for, acting as a mother figure to them and many others in Harrogate.
The Bravery Award
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson has been nominated for the Bravery Award for his determination to help others despite his own health issues.
Over the last fifteen years, he has served the Harrogate area by running The Warehouse, a second-hand furniture and appliance shop for those desperately in need.
From asylum seekers and refugees to those who find themselves homeless, Brian has helped them find dignity again. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he remained active in helping others and often single-handedly delivered fridges and beds, furnishing houses to make them into homes.
He sadly had to close The Warehouse due to a lack of funding and his deteriorating physical condition, however he continued to be a mentor and voice of wisdom
for homelessness and addiction. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year but has continued to fight to be fit and able. He remains a steadfast support to many in the community and his family.
His wife has been his biggest champion and together they are a shining light of love to all.
The Emergency services award
Sean Dooley
Sean Dooley is an amazing paramedic and will be the first to tell you he doesn’t deserve recognition for doing his job - but he definitely does!
Throughout his time with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, he’s dealt with numerous serious and fatal incidents and has been a pillar of support for the families affected. Having previously served in the military with the Royal Logistical Corps, Sean was an army cadet volunteer for many years.
He’s been described as “selfless, genuine and approachable” by those who have come to know him. Sean regularly volunteers to visit schools on Restart a Heart Day to give free life-saving CPR training and spread his medical expertise. His hope is to improve the low CPR statistics in the UK, further demonstrating his selfless personality.
Sean deserves to be celebrated for everything he has done and continues to do for the community and his patients.
Teacher of the year
Alice Jones
Alice Jones continues to make a huge difference in the lives of the pupils in her class at St Peter’s Primary School.
Parents have only positive words for Alice’s approach to her job, with one mother describing her as “absolutely fundamental” in helping her daughter continue her education despite her special educational needs.
Alice has undergone additional training to facilitate the care and wellbeing required to support children with various needs, including those with medical diagnoses.
When one child was unable to attend school for several months due to severe health issues, Alice arranged for the pupil to have virtual access to school via an AV1 ‘robot’ so she could still be part of lessons.
When asked how it felt to be nominated, Alice said:
"I'm flattered, if I were to win this award it would be on behalf of the whole school, everybody goes above and beyond.
"We need to recognise how hard all teachers work."
When asked what has been the most rewarding moment in her career, she said:
"When children make it back into school, school can be really challenging for some people and when we can make it work for those vulnerable children its so rewarding."
Follow the Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards on DAB, online and on your smart speaker from 6pm.
You can also see the photos of our winners on our social media channels.
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