Pride Of Sefton Awards 2023 receives over 1,000 nominations as people thanked for huge response

Over 1,000 nominations have been submitted for the 2023 Pride Of Sefton Awards. 

The closing date has now closed for this year’s event, which will celebrate local heroes who go the extra mile to make a positive difference to our communities across Sefton. 

Hundreds of submissions have been sent in from people in Southport, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, Maghull and elsewhere in the borough in 13 different categories. 

The Pride Of Sefton Awards judging panel will meet on Monday (13th March) to select this year’s shortlist. 

The nominees will be celebrated at a glittering awards event at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday, 28th April 2023. 

The Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport with support from media partners In Demand Radio. 

The ceremony will be hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo and TV presenter Fraser Dainton, with entertainment from singer Kelly Bond and the band Soul Train. 

Money raised on the night will go towards the ICU Steps charity. 

Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Chairman Andrew Mikhail said: 

“We have been overwhelmed by the huge number and quality of nominations for our first ever Pride Of Sefton Awards. 

“It really does show the number of extraordinary people making a real difference in our local communities across Sefton every single day. 

“We wanted to host a very special night at The Grand to thank and celebrate them for all they do. It’s time they were recognised.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors for making these awards possible.” 

Stand Up For Southport Founder Andrew Brown said:

“Some of the stories people have been sending to us for our first ever Pride of Sefton Awards are truly heartwarming. It is going to be a very emotional night when the winners’ stories are read out! We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to contact us. 

“We are lucky to have so many incredible people across the borough who work so tirelessly, so selflessly, without recognition, and without reward, to make life better for other people. 

“They are role models for others to follow. 

“It’s time we all said a huge ‘thank you’ and that is exactly what these awards will do.” 

Please Like the Pride Of Sefton Awards page on Facebook the Pride Of Sefton Awards on Instagram and Pride Of Sefton 23 on Twitter. 

Guests enjoyed the official opening of The Grand in Southport. Photo by Mark Shirley owner of Shift F8 Photography

This year’s categories are:

1 – Main Award – Pride of Sefton (sponsored by The Grand) 

The night’s premier award will salute a person or organisation who judges believe has made a truly inspiring or outstanding contribution to Sefton over the past two years.

2 – Diversity and Inclusion Award (sponsored by Sefton Council) 

Sefton is a truly welcoming borough. We’d love to hear about those who have gone out of their way to promote diversity and inclusion within our area.

3 – Sefton Arts Award (sponsored by Fitton Estates) 

Sefton wants to shout loud and proud about those who have achieved remarkable things in the world of stage, screen, and music. We want to hear about bright young things and those who have made it to the very top.

4 – Charity Champion Award (sponsored by Communication Plus) 

Charities local and nationally survive and thrive on the cash raised by big-hearted fundraisers. And they have really needed it in these tough times. We don’t just want to hear who has raised the most, but how they have done it, what difference has it made and why it has inspired you.

5 – Child of Courage Award (sponsored by Southport Pleasureland) 

We are searching for nominees who have shown immense courage in the face of adversity. Courage comes in different shapes – is it a child who has battled illness, performed an act of bravery or done something truly remarkable while up against the odds?

6 – Courage Award (sponsored by Lloyds Bank) 

Many tales of the heroism, courage or bravery of people from Sefton go untold – and we’d like to change that. Nominees could have performed a dramatic rescue or maybe they’ve overcome illness or injury to record inspiring achievements.

7 – Unsung Hero Award (sponsored by Exceptional Care & Think Tank Academy) 

Tell us about the person who makes a huge difference to our borough’s communities, organisations or teams but who rarely gets a spot in the limelight.

8 – Community Impact Award (sponsored by Forth Homes) 

Which person or organisation has had the biggest positive impact on their community? How have they made Sefton a better place or helped people? Have they used their heart as well as their business head to serve their area?

9 – Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Westcoast Workwear and Embroidery) 

Whose achievements in the sporting arena have been the brightest over the past two years?

We want nominations from all sporting fields – from amateurs to professionals, and from coaches to players.

10 – Young Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by DT Hughes) 

Which of Sefton’s sporting juniors have recorded the biggest achievement? In a borough with so much talent we would expect a deluge of entries. Tell us who stands out? (Nominees must not have reached their 19th birthday by 1st March.)

11 – Business In The Community Award (sponsored by In Demand Radio) 

Businesses play a vital role in making our communities better for all. We’d like to celebrate all those who have made a real difference.

12 – School Of The Year Award (sponsored by Southport College) 

Schools are brilliant at getting involved in local issues. But which ones have gone further to really improve the world around them? We’d love to honour those that have.

13 – Lifetime Achievement / Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Birkdale Kitchen Co.) 

This award recognises a person who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to life in Sefton. There will be no shortlist for this title announced prior to this award – instead the judging panel will reflect on potential candidates during the process and the winner will be awarded on the night.

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com