Inspirational people from across the borough were honoured at the 2025 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
On an emotional and uplifting evening at The Grand in Southport, awards were presented to people and organisations who have contributed so much to improve life for others in our community.
Those honoured included some of the people who were injured in last summer’s horrific tragedy in Southport.
The main award was made in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven; Bebe King, aged six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine who were all killed as they attended a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga class at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July 2024.
Family members were there to accept their awards and spoke bravely about how their legacy will live on, and the ongoing work being done to bring about positive change in Southport.
Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
There was a standing ovation as the Sefton Courage Award was presented to Leanne Lucas and Heidi Liddle, the two much-loved teachers who saved children’s lives at Hart Street last summer.
Leanne Lucas said: “We appreciate everyone’s kind words and support.
“This award also goes to all 26 girls.
“This isn’t just for us, it is for every single one of those girls there that day, all of whom were incredibly brave.”
‘Sarah’, the older child who was stabbed three times while getting younger children to safety, sent a video as she was in London ready to raise money to support families impacted by the tragedy.
In the video Sarah said: “Sorry I can’t be with you all tonight and I hope you are having a nice time.
“I am absolutely honoured to be nominated for this award among all the other brave children.
“I accept this award not just for myself. This award is on behalf of all the children who were there and were so brave on this tragic day.
“I am so sorry I could not be there in person, however I am currently in London about to run the Mini Marathon in support of the Southprot Hesketh Round Table and all the families.”
Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
‘Amber’, another courageous young girl who fought to save others, won a Child Of Courage Award.
She was severely injured during the stabbings, requiring hours of surgery to save her life.
She is leading an amazing charity to help other young people.
Churchtown Primary School in Southport was recognised as Sefton School Of The Year, while Headteacher Jinnie Payne won the Sefton Community Impact Award.
This weekend she is running the 2025 London Marathon alongside Sergio Aguiar and others to raise funds for a new playground at the school in memory of the girls who died last year.
The Sefton Diversity and Inclusion Award was won by Nina Karetska, who has been a champion of Ukrainian culture and freedom, organising some superb events in Sefton.
Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport with media partners In Demand Radio.
Funds were raised on the night for the Southport Strong Together charity and for the ICU Steps charity through donations and an auction held during the evening.
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “Due to the heinous action of one individual our borough and especially this town has been ripped apart, and will never be the same again, even more so for all the children at the event that day and their families and friends and the three angels who sadly left us, way too soon.
“Some of the girls’ family members sit with us here tonight. I admire your courage and we as a community will always be with you.
“Sefton has so many unbelievable and inspirational people. We must celebrate what’s good in our communities and while never ever forgetting we must try to move forward slowly together and embrace what is good about our community.
“I would like to thank all the local businesses who sponsored categories and to our team who made this event possible.”
Stand Up For Southport Director Andrew Brown said: “There is something very special about the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
“There were over 2,000 nominations for people this year, which is astonishing.
“That just shows the strength, the selflessness, and the determination we have here across Sefton.
“Last year we saw what evil can do.
“Our community has responded with thousands of acts of incredible kindness.
“Some people couldn’t attend the awards because they were getting ready to run the Mini Marathon or the London Marathon this weekend.
“It shows that kindness never stops. Darkness always ends. Light always shines through.”
Next year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards take place at The Grand in Southport on Friday 24th April 2026. You can nominate here: Pride Of Sefton Awards
For more details about the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards please email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards 2025 winners and finalists
1 – Young Sportsperson of the Year (sponsor Merseyrail)
Winner Grace Eccles
Winner – Melissa Moscrop
2 – Child of Courage Award – (sponsor Adventure Coast Southport)
Winner – ‘Sarah’
Winner – ‘Amber’
Winner – Maximus Johnson
Winner – Isla Rose Steel
3 – Diversity & Inclusion Award (sponsor Sefton Council)
Winner – Nina Karetska
Finalist – Imam Ibrahim Hussein
Finalist – The Matthew Lock ADHD Charity
4 – Community Impact Award (sponsor Carlsberg)
Winner – Jinnie Payne
Finalist – Pip Coysh
Finalist – Lucinda Golightly
5 – Sportsperson of the Year (sponsor Think F.A.S.T. Academy)
Winner – Ruth Mwandumba
Finalist – Nicky Cooper
Finalist – Jack Kennedy
6 – Courage Award (sponsor Dowhigh)
Winner – Heidi Liddle
Winner – Leanne Lucas
7 – Sefton Arts Award (sponsor Fitton Estates)
Winner – G:Force Gospel Choir
Finalist – Brittany Feeney
Finalist – Wayfarers Arcade
8 – Charity Champion Award (sponsor Halliwell Jones)
Winner – Lily and Lauren Williams
Finalist – Andy’s Man’s Club, Crosby
Finalist – Southport Hesketh Round Table
9 – Business in The Community Award (sponsor In Demand Radio)
Winner – EFT Group
Finalist – Bumbles Nursery
Finalist – The Bus Yard
10 – School of The Year Award (sponsor Southport College)
Winner – Churchtown Primary School
Finalist – Kew Woods Primary School
Finalist – Maghull High School
11 – Unsung Hero Award (sponsor Fletchers Solicitors)
Winner – Mike and Eva Ainscough
Winner – Abigail Butler
Winner – Tanya Holden
Winner – Steve Mitton
12 – Lifetime Achievement Award / Special Recognition Award (sponsor LWC Drinks)
Winner – Rev Martin Abrams
Finalist – Pamela Edwards
Finalist – Kathy Forrester
13 – Main Award Winners – Pride of Sefton (sponsor The Grand Southport)
Alice Dasilva Aguiar
Bebe King
Elsie Dot Stancombe
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