A football loving Southport man who helped to set up a powerchair league has won a Sefton Young Sportsperson of The Year title sponsored by Merseyrail at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Noah Cunningham, a keen supporter of Everton FC and Southport FC, was awarded the accolade by Sally Ralston MBE from Merseyrail at the awards at The Grand in Southport.
Noah has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and lives with severe life challenges. He was placed on palliative care a year ago but it doesn’t stop him.
He’s played powerchair football since he was four years old but has always had to travel and wanted to bring it to Southport to give others in his community the experience.
He lost the ability to play due to his muscles no longer working in his hands, so he met Scott Blundell at Southport Football Club Foundation and told him about the sport.
Roll on 18 months and they’re up and running and giving the kids in Southport the experience he had.
He hasn’t let his health problems stop him and he’s determined to make every day matter.
Noah played for EITC, then Bolton Bullets then Greenbank before losing the ability to drive.
He’s always had to travel to powerchair football and has always wanted to give wheelchair users in Southport the opportunity to try the sport.
When Southport FC started their Foundation, Scott approached Noah to start a team.
Noah’s younger brother, Caleb, was with him on the night.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns, on one of her final engagements to crown her three busy years as Mayor.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
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