Nominations for the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are now closed, after a record number of entries were received by organisers.
The glittering event will take place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport town centre on Friday, 26th April 2024, honouring inspirational community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across the borough.
Over 1,300 submissions have been sent in over a total of 13 categories.
They include the Main Award; Lifetime Achievement; Courage Award; Child of Courage; Sefton School Of The Year; Adult and Young Sportspeople Of The year; and more.
The annual event is organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport, in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
Finalists for each of the categories have been invited to attend an unforgettable night of celebration hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo in the Princess Suite at The Grand.
Southport Lifeboat founder Kath Wilson (third right) wins the 2023 Main Grand Pride Of Sefton Award. She is pictured with Mikhail hotel and Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail (second left) and hosts Claire Simmo (left) and Fraser Dainton (right). Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Entertainment will be provided by Whitney Houston tribute star Michelle Lawson and soul singer Dave Broe.
Money on the night will be raised for ICUsteps, the intensive care patient support charity.
Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group Chairman Andrew Mikhail said:
“Once again we have been inundated with nominations for the Pride Of Sefton Awards. It shows the strength of the communities we have across Sefton, and the number of unsung heroes who give so much on a daily basis to make this borough a better place for others to enjoy.
“We think it’s time some of these community heroes are celebrated in style for the incredible work they do.
“We can promise that our Finalists this year will be treated to a really memorable night.
“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to send us your nominations.
“These awards are possible because of our Pride Of Sefton sponsors, and we’d like to thank all the local businesses involved for their generosity and commitment.”
Dave Smith wins the Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Exceptional Care Ltd at the 2023 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Stand Up For Southport Director Andrew Brown said:
“Reading through all the nominations has been an eye-opening experience. We are blessed to have some truly exceptional people and organisations who go to extraordinary lengths to improve the lives of others.
“We are in for another very inspirational, moving and emotional Pride Of Sefton Awards night in a stunning local venue.
“Congratulations to all our finalists this year, and thank you to the brilliant team at Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, In Demand Radio and others who have been busy investing such a huge amount of work into putting these awards together.”
This year’s Pride Of Sefton Awards categories include:
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 Capelli Hair Studio)
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 River Law)
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 Carlsberg)
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 Solarcrown Commercial)
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 LWC)
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.
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