Tears and laughter as third annual Wirral's Golden Globe Awards honour our unsung heroes

The glittering event, held at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, celebrated the borough’s best during a night of tears, smiles and laughter.

The awards event - in association with Typhoo Tea - was hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Lyon, who said: “The Globe's annual awards never cease to amaze. All our nominated finalists make you feel so humble, they are truly extraordinary people.

“The task of selecting our finalists this year has been more difficult than ever before – every entry was worthy of winning.”

Above, Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Lyon hosts the awards.

A galaxy of celebrities turned out to pay tribute to Wirral’s heroes, including comedian Stan Boardman, The Scaffold’s Mike McCartney, former Brookside actors Suzanne Collins and Dean Sullivan, actor and singer Carl Chase, plus Wirral Country & Western star Charlie Landsborough.

Radio Merseyside's Frankie Connor and broadcasting veteran Johnny Kennedy completed the presenting line-up.

Guests were entertained by Carl, who opened the show with a medley of classics, and community choir Sing Me Merseyside and Wirral.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood guitarist Brian “Nasher” Nash, pictured below, brought the first-half of the ceremony to a thundering close with his breath-taking solo rendition of the band’s 1984 number-one smash hit The Power of Love.

But the real stars of the night were the amazing people nominated for our awards.

Eight Wirral Golden Globes were won, along with eight Golden Achieves certificates. The ceremony closed with two special Editor's Awards.

Neighbour of the Year was won by New Brighton's Albert Ellis.

Albert was nominated by Globe reader Cathy Roberts, who said: "Albert has breathed life and energy into the town. He has transformed a rundown parade of shops into a gloriously restored shopping 

"He is always thinking of ways to improve life for all neighbours and businesses in the area, but unlike many others, he actually finds a way of getting things done.

"His projects are always fully inclusive - the restoration of the shop awnings involved the local probation service to recruit community service participants. His message is simple - be the best you can be".

On his award, Albert said: "Thank you so much to Cathy Roberts for nominating me. It's just such a pleasure to receive it. You're all winners tonight."

The category was sponsored by Magenta Living, whose deputy chief executive Patrick McCarthy presented the prizes along with local radio veteran Johnny Kennedy, now presenting on Wirral Radio.

The Golden Achiever certificate was presented to Johnny Griffiths.

Above, Albert Ellis receives his award from deputy chief executive of sponsors Magenta Living, Patrick McCarthy, and local radio veteran Johnny Kennedy.

Parent of the Year was won by Diane Murphy, who was nominated by her mum Vena.

Vena wrote: "My daughter Diane is the most wonderful and outstanding guardian of the year.

Her own daughter died in very tragic circumstances and left a little girl of three years. My daughter, stricken with grief, took over and kept everyone together. She was awarded guardianship and is doing the most fantastic job of bringing her up.

"Nothing is too much trouble for Diane."

This category was sponsored by Birkenhead Market, whose chairman Larry Embra, along with BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Frankie Connor, presented the awards.

Diane said: "I don't often get stuck for words. It's been a lovely evening. I'm absolutely gobsmacked. I'd like to thank my mum for sending the letter to the Globe.

"I'm just overwhelmed and proud to be Ava's grandmother."

The Golden Achiever was Edith Chegwin.

Above, Parent of the Year Diane Murphy is presented with the award by Larry Embra, chairman of sponsors, Birkenhead Market, along with BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Frankie Connor.

The Young Hero of the Year was won by youngster Finley Lamb.

Finley was nominated by his mum Sara, who told us: "Finley was born with a rare brain abnormality. It was predicted he would never walk and would had severe developmental delay.

"Eighteen months ago he started intensive therapy in America. He makes Atlantic crossings twice a year. and at home he does therapy six hours a day, six days a week.

"Five months ago Finley began walking again - amazing his doctors and us."

The Pyramids Shopping Centre sponsored this award and it was presented by the British Council of Shopping Centre's retail apprentice Donna Williams and Wirral actress Suzanne Collins.

The Golden Achiever was Amber Ritson.

Above, Finley Lamb reveives his award from British Council of Shopping Centre's retail apprentice Donna Williams and Wirral actress Suzanne Collins.

Friend of the Year went to youngster Olivia Graves. Olivia was nominated by her mum Sarah, who said: " Olivia is the bravest most loyal, helpful, caring sister to her terminally-ill little brother.

"She has dealt with more than any seven year old should. Olivia’s watched Luke go through three open heart surgeries. She’s had to be away from me for long periods of time when we have been in hospital.

"She has made him laugh and smile when no one else could."

The sponsor was Foster Careline Ltd and manager Wendy Brandon and Mike McCartney presented the prizes.

Golden Achiever was Sharon Hill.

Above, Olivia Graves was presented with her award by manager Wedny Brandon of sponsors Foster Careline Ltd and Mike McCartney.

Local Sportsperson of the Year was won by athlete Daniel Pass, who was nominated by his coach Steven Brick.

Steven explained Daniel has a learning disability and is a 100 and 200 metre sprinter.

In the last two years, Daniel has run for Team GB in Prague, and also gained a bronze medal in the 4x100 relay in Holland.

He is very popular at his club - Wirral AC. Daniel is currently ranked first in the North West for the 100 meters and 200 meters, and is on- track for the Paralympics in Rio in 2016.

The award was supported by our main event sponsors Typhoo Tea Ltd and was presented by production planner director Danny McGrail and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Nasher. 

Golden Achiever was Rachel Griffiths.

Above, Daniel Pass receives his award from production planner director Danny McGrail, of main event sponsors Typhoo Tea Ltd, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Nasher. 

Community Contribution of the Year was awarded to John Earp, who was nominated by Heidi Hughes from the Barnstondale centre for young people.

Heidi wrote: "John, 79, is one of Barnstondale’s most highly-prized volunteers.

"He recognised that children in wheelchairs couldn’t access the 12-acres of woodlands, which form an important part of the centre.

"So John came up with the idea of a specially-designed wide pathway to enable wheelchair-users to have safe access through the woods.

"John also secured funding of £15,000 and 100 trees from the Woodland Trust."

The trophy was presented by sponsor Susan C Porter of Independent Funeral Directors and Wirral singing star Charlie Landsborough.

Val Hamlet was our Golden Achiever.

Above, John Earp receives his award from sponsor Susan C Porter of Independent Funeral Directors and Wirral singing star Charlie Landsborough.

The Adult Learner of the Year award went to Angela Murphy of Tomorrow’s Women Wirral.

Angela was nominated by so many people in supporting adult learners.

Typical of the accolades was this from a fan of the organisation that Angela helps manage, Tomorrow’s Women Wirral.

By her dedication, Angela symbolises the work of this innovative group.

Nominators said Angela and her colleagues have created a special place for women in TWW offers support to women who may have lost their confidence and feel isolated.

It aims to improve their skills and gain some qualifications….or it’s just there for those who feel like dropping in and having a cup of tea and a chat in a safe, women-only environment.

This award was sponsored by Wirral Metropolitan College; vice-principal Michael Norton presented the prizes along with actor and radio presenter Dean Sullivan (pictured below).

Angela said: "I'm really, really overwhelmed. I'm delighted to be here on behalf of Tomorrow's Women Wirral.

"In today's climate of austerity, when places are closing, we give women the opportunity to go and be all that they can be."

There was a surprise ending to the Outstanding Bravery Award when both shortlisted youngsters - Abbie Major and Samantha Edwards- won a Wirral Golden Globe.

The judges said they simply could not split the finalists as both girls were so deserving.

Samantha was nominated by her mum Rachel Edwards, who told us: "Samantha has had a lot to deal with.

"Her brother has Cerebral Palsy and I do not know what I would do without her help.

"She is 16 now and in June her dad had brain surgery to remove a life threatening tumour leaving him disabled... during this she was taking her GCSEs and passed them all.

"She has helped me care for her dad and her brother, even helping with tube-feeding and "During the holidays she even volunteered to help run “Joytime”- a kids’ show in Vale Park - giving up all her holidays."

Abbie was nominated by her cousin Katie Major.

Katie said: "Abbie is currently battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"She was diagnosed with it just before the summer holidays and she's been so brave and "Even after losing her hair, a traumatic time for anyone to go through, let alone a 12- year-old girl, I've never seen her cry or complain once.

"She's one of the strongest little girls I know......and she's an inspiration to us all. "She has shown us all that even at the worst times in your life, there's always something to smile about."

The award was sponsored by Tidy Site Building & Construction Services Ltd whose managing director Graham Hughes presented the girls with their trophies, assisted by star of stage and screen Carl Chase (pictured below).

An emotional Samantha said: "I'd like to say thank you to my mum, because I don't know what I'd do without her.

"I'd like to say thank you to Claire House, because they help my brother. They're just amazing."

Abbie said: "I'd like to say thank you to my cousin Katie for nominating me."

The final prizes of the evening, the Globe Editor's Awards, went to Wirral campaigner Christopher Locke and Hoylake Holy Trinity Primary School headteacher Catherine O’Neill-Edwards.

Chris is a former pupil of the Lyndale School and has dedicated his life to saving it from council closure.

On his award, Chris said: "Thank you very much to the Lyndale School. I'm extremely grateful and humbled. I'd like to say thanks to Pat Merrick for nominating me.

"It's down to her, she started the ball rolling as soon as it was announced the council were minded to close Lyndale School.

"This is not time to hang about, it's not time to feel sorry for yourself, it's time to say 'this is wrong. Let's get at it, let's do what we can, let's raise what we can. Let's start now and let everything fall into place.?

"The teachers think it's the best place, the whole of Wirral thinks it's the best place.

"You don't sacrifice places that are the best in Wirral."

Above, Christopher Locke receives his award from Wirral Globe editor Leigh Marles.

Catherine’s swift actions in using a defibrillator saved the life of the school's caretaker who had suffered a heart attack.

Accepting her award, Catherine said: "I want to say I didn't think I deserving any award, whatsoever.

"There are some things which happen that send you into auto pilot, really, but the situation would have been so different without Mark King from the Oliver King Foundation.

"Since the death of his son, he's campaigned highly to have defibrillators installed in every public building, and luckily we were among them.

"Every school in Wirral should now have a defibrillator and thank goodness, for us, that we had one. Also, thank you to Dave for surviving.

"It was a happy ending, so thank you."

Catherine O’Neill-Edwards with Wirral Globe editor Leigh Marles and advertising manager Julie Balmforth.

More than £1,500 was raised for Wirral’s Claire House from the sale of raffle tickets, which was match-funded by Lloyd’s Bank, who have the hospice as their chosen charity.

All our Golden Achievers (pictured below) were presented with a framed certificate and a bottle of bubbly.