Bolton's community heroes celebrated at awards night

Dozens of people attended the inaugural My Community Hero awards at Dunscar Golf Club in Egerton on Saturday, July 27.

Seven awards were handed out to those from across the borough who have displayed remarkable courage, or who have gone above and beyond for their community.

Among the people recognised on the evening was teenager Michael Norman, who took home the award for Outstanding Bravery.

Michael, who lives in Atherton, was on his way to catch his bus to school when he came across a serious collision involving a car and motorbike.

The then 15-year-old watched in horror as the impact hurled the motorcyclist on to the roof of the car before he was sent crashing on to the road surface.

Without a second thought, Michael, who has learning difficulties, immediately went to the motorcyclist’s aid.

He relayed first aid instructions from the ambulance service call handler to a group of people, including the driver of the car, who were there before paramedics arrived to treat the casualty.

The rider suffered leg injuries.

Michael’s act of bravery was also rewarded by Greater Manchester Police earlier this year, when they presented him with a Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Certificate.

Meanwhile, the Inspirational Award was presented to Horwich resident Sam Ormrod.

Before turning his life around four years ago, Mr Ormrod would spend up to £500 a week on cocaine and alcohol.

He hit rock bottom following a stint in rehab, but was inspired to take up exercise by a friend and now attributes his love of staying active as the key to his recovery.

He has run several half marathons and triathlons and, with the support of his wife Katy, set up a running group for people suffering with mental health problems.

Speaking to The Bolton News last year, he said: “It’s massive to think where I was and where I am today.”

Also recognised on the night were husband and wife Carole and Terry Harrison, from Astley Bridge, who took home the Neighbour of the Year award.

“Community has always been important to me,” explained Carole.

The pair have lived in Thorns Road for 53 years and, in that time, have organised dozens of street parties and events for their neighbours.

A true pillar of the community, Mrs Harrison also arranges social outings, such as bingo days, luncheon groups and day trips for her neighbours.

She attributes her talent at bringing people together to her grandmother, who would take her along to a host of different events as a child.

“I enjoy being around people and getting everyone together,” said Mrs Harrison. “That is what life is all about.”

“People who live on their own might not have anyone to talk to, but if you are part of a community then there is always someone there for you.

“We should all help each other out and get on. I hope the youngsters will take that forward into the future.”

The modest 74-year-old said she was “overwhelmed” upon discovering she had won the award, but was keen to highlight the role of others in helping to organise events.

“I could not do it all on my own,” she said.

“Our neighbours are wonderful, it is such a tight knit community.

“I just try to round folk up and it all happens from there. Everyone just mucks in together.”

The Above & Beyond award was presented to Brad Hargreaves, the owner of Westhoughton Market.

The 25-year-old bought the market from Bolton Council, who were unable to afford the upkeep and repair costs, back in 2016.

Since taking over, Mr Hargreaves has managed to introduce new businesses and has overseen an increase in footfall.

Another person recognised was Marilyn Crook, who took home Volunteer of the Year.

The 72-year-old began volunteering about 20 years ago when she sought something new to occupy her spare time once her two daughters had grown up.

In the years that have passed, she has given up one day a week to work one-to-one with children experiencing speech, language and behavioural difficulties at Tonge Moor Academy Nursery.

The 72-year-old, who lives in Egerton, said it was “nice” for her work to have been recognised.

She added: “I enjoy volunteering. It gets me out of the house, and it is nice to see the children progress.

“A lot of schools don’t have the time to work one-to-one because of cutbacks, so that’s where I come in.”

The Community Service of the Year award went to the coffee lounge at The Triangle Community Methodist Church in Doffcocker, and its manager Joyce Read.

The church was built five years ago, bringing together congregations from three different churches across Bolton.

After the church opened, a coffee lounge was set up to raise funds.

Ms Read volunteered to run it and has not looked back since.

She explained: “It started off quietly but has taken off phenomenally.

"People find it a safe, warm, welcoming place to meet their friends and make new ones.”

The café opens five days a week, from 10am-2.30pm, and is run by a team of 40 volunteers.

Among them are students from Lifebridge ASEND, which provides work placements for 19-24 year olds with learning difficulties.

As well as organising day groups for elderly people, the café hosts a school holiday club for children.

Ms Read said she was “touched and honoured” to receive the award, but put the café’s success down to a team effort.

“I have such a fantastic team and that is what has made it a success.

“This is recognition for what the café is achieving in the community.”

Finally, the non-profit of the year award was presented to Fortalice.

The charity provides frontline domestic abuse services and runs a refuge with 22 individual family self-contained flats and a separate Outreach Support Centre.

This offers a drop-in and group work for women and children and accredited training.

The organisation delivers healthy relationship courses in primary and secondary schools, counselling for often traumatised children and works alongside police. It also runs the IRIS project which helps GP surgery staff across the borough identify and support female and male victims of domestic abuse.

All its work is supported by around 60 volunteers working with 48 staff across both sites and in the community.

A total of £2,400 was raised on the evening, with the funds going towards Bolton Hospice.

Event organiser Leanne Brooks said: “We could not have done this without all the support leading up to and on the night of the event.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to Sure Store Bolton for sponsoring our event, to Stuart Astbury who was our amazing compère for the evening and also a special thank to all our local businesses that donated prizes and their services.

“We can’t wait to start preparations for My Community Hero 2020.”