The winners of the Spotlight Awards 2010 have been announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the KC Stadium.
Organised by Hull City Council and Viking FM to celebrate the achievements of Hull's children and young people and the people that work with or support them, the awards were attended by over 300 local people and hosted by actress Sally Lindsay. The evening was a huge success and included guest appearances from local celebrities who chose to support the awards.
The winners are as follows:
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award
Sponsored by Esteem
Award presented by John Godber
Winner: James Dearing
James is an enthusiastic and talented young musician and technician who shares his skills by supporting other young people to learn about music. He is a regular member of Kingston Youth Centre where he helped to set up a radio project. He also helps to organise many live music events.
Sportsperson of the Year Award
Sponsored by npower
Award presented by Iain Dowie
Winner: James Flintham
James was diagnosed with cancer at age 11 and had to undergo a liver transplant to save his life. Since then, his determination has led him to take part in the British Transplant Games and win numerous medals for swimming and ten-pin bowling. Last year he also represented the UK in the World Transplant Games.
Volunteer Worker of the Year Award
Sponsored by Reckitt Benckiser
Award presented by Mark Hill's Creative Director Julian Holland
Winner: Tracy Noon
Tracy runs a performing arts group four nights a week, in her own time, for children in east Hull. There are now over 200 children who attend one of the sessions, which provide them with positive activities and help improve their confidence and skills. Tracy always goes the extra mile and puts the children before herself.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Sponsored by Cash for Kids
Award presented by Michelle Dewberry
Winner: Dave Garbera
Dave has been a successful entrepreneur since a young age and has gone on to be an inspiration to others and an ambassador of the city. Dave continues to run his company, which he set up whilst he was at school, he has written a book and is now studying at university where he continues to promote enterprise.
Worker of the Year Award
Sponsored by Cobus
Award presented by Hull Stingrays's Lee Esder
Winner: Ian Bolton
Ian works with young people through the RAPP to offer them support and advice to help them make their way in life. He goes above and beyond the call of duty and is always on hand, no matter what time of day. He focuses on each individual young person, listens to their problems and helps them any way he can.
Young Carer of the Year Award
Sponsored by M&G Vehicle Hire
Award presented by Reece Shearsmith
Winner: Harry Whittles
10 year old Harry's mum and dad have disabilities and so he really helps around the house. He peels vegetables for dinner, helps with the shopping, and during the recent bad weather he shovelled snow from the front of his and neighbours houses so that they could get out safely. Harry is a true inspiration and always has a smile on his face.
Foster Carer of the Year Award
Sponsored by NHS
Award presented by Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr David Gemmel
Winner: Jean and Mike Fairpo
Jean and Mike have been foster carers for over 25 years and have cared for more than 100 children. Most recently they have been caring for a young man with complex medical needs who requires 24 hour care. They have shown immense strength, commitment and love to all these children and helped them go on to positive futures.
Positive Contribution Award
Sponsored by Hull Colour Pages
Award presented by Carley Stenson from Hollyoaks
Winner: Alice Gotts, April Hilton, Shane Lewis, Abagail Stuart - Frederick Holmes
This group of young people have been campaigning for better toilet facilities for people with disabilities for the past two years. They have presented their ideas to different groups and decision makers and gained funding for a national standard 'Changing Place' in St Stephen's Shopping Centre and East Park. Their work is also influencing the building of additional facilities around the city.
Best Friend of the Year Award
Sponsored by Jackson's Bakery
Award presented by Dean Windass
Winner: Tony Burns and Sue Brummitt
Tony and Sue have been best friends to James Flintham who has had a lot of medical difficulties and spent a great deal of time in hospital. Sue was James' headteacher at school and has supported him and his family through difficult times. James said he would love them to get this award to let them know how much they mean to him.
Child or Young Person of Courage Award
Sponsored by Humberside Police
Award presented by Mike Tomlinson
Winner: Daniel Woodford
Daniel has grown up with Asperger's Syndrome, and has had a difficult couple of years after being diagnosed with cancer. He has not let this dampen his personality and has organised events to raise money for charity, as well as becoming a Boys Brigade leader; proving that you can achieve whatever you want to.
Achiever of the Year Award
Sponsored by Hull Collegiate
Award presented by Jon Culshaw
Winner: Elly-May Peacock
Elly-May is an inspirational young person who gets involved in lots of fundraising and community events. She has supported her family through difficult times and been an active member of her local community through the Lifestyle project. As well as all this she has stayed focused and done well at school.
