Do you know an Unsung Hero in Sefton who deserves to be celebrated for what they do?
Today we invite people to send us your nominations for the Sefton Unsung Hero Award 2026, sponsored by Fletchers Solicitors.
So many in our community work tirelessly and selflessly to support others.
Now’s our chance to say ‘thank you;’ at this year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
You can submit your nominations via the Pride Of Sefton Awards website: prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
Fletchers Solicitors is looking forward to celebrating all those “who work tirelessly and selflessly to make life better for others”.
The firm is sponsoring the Sefton Unsung Hero Award at the awards, which will recognise local heroes from Southport, Crosby, Formby, Bootle, Maghull, and across Sefton.
The winners and finalists will be honoured at the Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday, 24th April 2025.
A Fletchers Solicitors spokesperson said:
“Over 35 years ago, the first Fletchers office opened its doors in Southport with just nine members of staff. Since then, we’ve been grateful to serve the community; we pride ourselves on our roots and take great pride in our presence in the town.
“Our clients come to us during what is arguably one of the most difficult periods of their lives; and we’re privileged to have their trust and to guide them through the journey.
“We are honoured to be sponsoring the Unsung Heroes Award for 2025 as we take the time to celebrate those people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make life better for others.
“We hope that the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards will bring people together for an evening designed to recognise and celebrate the victories of those in our community.
“It’s a privilege to be part of these Awards that celebrate these incredible contributions.”
Last year’s winner was Abigail Butler.
Abi saved a man’s life providing medical aid when off duty at the Southport tragedy in 2024
She was one of the first people on the scene after the attack and rushed to the scene to provide what first aid she could.
She declared herself a nurse and grabbed a kit bag.
After speaking to the police, she went inside as the first medic present, inside the building, while the killer was being detained.
She provided life saving treatment to one victim, made them stable and entrusted them to paramedics when they arrived.
Finalists Mike and Eva Ainscough saw the growing mountain of flowers and tributes brought to the Hart Street area after the Southport tragedy, outside their home – and decided someone needed to look after them and keep them safe.
Day by day, they water and looked after the flowers, welcomed people, took care of teddy bears, and stopped anything being damaged by rain.
They even sat them together in groups so they weren’t lonely.
Finalist Steve Mitton and his family live on Hart Street in Southport, near to the Hart Space where the Southport tragedy happened.
When they saw injured children running across the road, they opened their doors and welcomed them into their home, looking after them until the emergency services arrived.
Steve Mitton, Pamela Mitton, Tommy Mitton and Summer Mitton were presented with their award by Merseyside Deputy Lord Lieutenant Julie Lawson BEM after Steve was unable to make the awards night.
Tanya Holden, the final Finalist, was honoured for her work as a Sister in Southport Hospital’s Critical Care Unit who goes above and beyond by managing ICU Steps, a support charity for former Critical Care patients.
Tanya provides a lifeline for individuals transitioning from intensive care, helping them navigate the emotional and physical challenges of recovery.
She runs ICU Steps in her personal time, voluntarily managing every aspect.
Tanya also spearheads all the fundraising efforts to keep ICU Steps free for participants.
The Pride Of Sefton Awards, organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with In Demand Radio, is an unmissable fixture in the Liverpool City Region events calendar.
The ceremony on Friday 24th April 2026 will be presented by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo.
All those on the shortlist will be invited to a special celebratory meal in the beautiful surroundings of The Princess Grace Suite at The Grand in Southport while the awards are presented, with a stunning night of entertainment.
Nominations are still being invited across all 13 categories ahead of the closing date on 1st March 2026.
For more details please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk
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