LOCAL HERO AWARD 2021

2021 has been yet another difficult year for us all physically and emotionally. We began the year in yet another deep lockdown that took away the Christmas period from us, and it was months until the green shoots of normality took root once again.

We have had to pick up the pieces of the tumultuous year before which we continue to do to this day. Many will feel the effects of the pandemic for years to come, and more families than ever are relying on the support and kindness of those in the local community who do what they can to support them.

My Local Hero award once again seeks to acknowledge those individuals or organisations who have gone above and beyond over the past 12 months to support the community in what has been such a difficult time.

All those nominated were put forward by their peers in the community who have recognised the outstanding work they do and think they deserve more recognition. Scroll down to see the full list of nominees and a short sentence on why they have each been nominated before clicking on the button below to vote for who you think should be crowned my Local Hero for 2021.

VOTE HERE

Al Vaziri – Local Shopkeeper who has done charity work and supported the local community for decades.

Calmer Therapy – For supporting countless families and being a bedrock of the local community.

Cheryl Cag & Residents Against the Hospital Underpass – Campaigning to give local people a voice in what happens in their local region.

Claire Wealleans & Claire’s Chance – For their inspiring and brave work raising awareness and money for Cancer research.

Danielle Ramsey & Rob Cox YMCA – Working tirelessly to support vulnerable children in Ashington and beyond as well as speaking up and campaigning against the wider issues facing these children.

Dean Dobson – Founder of a Long Covid support group on Facebook for all those suffering symptoms of Covid over a prolonged period, providing information, support, and comfort to those struggling with the illness.

Elaine Brown & Newbiggin Litter Picking Group – Enthusiastically and selflessly dedicated to cleaning up tons of plastic waste from the beautiful natural spaces in and around Newbiggin.

Fareeha Usman & Being Woman – Supporting immigrant communities in Ashington beyond providing them advice and comradeship as they move into our region.

Heart of the Hirst – For putting pride back into the community and supporting families in Ashington and beyond.

Jamie Evans – Inspiring and supporting young artists in the community.

John ‘Robbo’ Robertson – Upon discovering a man on the railway line on the way to work he rallied the police and ambulance services and stayed with the man until he was taken to hospital almost certainly saving his life. This is alongside decades of volunteering in the community.

Kevin Miller – Keeping everyone in the local area smiling and cheerful with his costumes and fantastic sense of humour.

Michael Thewlis & Ashington Cricket Club – For their tireless efforts in support of the vaccine rollout, organising staff and volunteers at the site making sure everybody feels safe and comfortable.

Morpeth Mental Health Association – Providing people in South East Northumberland with mental health problems support to live independently, offering activities, a drop in centre and free counselling and arts & crafts groups.

Sally & Archie Hardy – For widespread charity work in the local community including litter picking in their local area of Choppington making a huge difference which is greatly appreciated by the local residents.

Sarah Robinson & The Full Circle Food Project – Providing both food packages for families in the Hirst area and beyond who need it, we well as offering free cooking and gardening lessons. Also, for their work supporting the local immigrant communities coming into the region.

Steven Engels & Ashington Community Litter Pickers – Giving up their free time to selflessly keep the Ashington streets safe and tidy.

Team Susie – For their inspiring and tireless efforts raising money for Cancer Research.

Tracey Brown – Set up local collection points for the Wansbeck Foodbank providing access to food to families who need it most.

Wansbeck Valley Food Bank – For their efforts once again to support vulnerable families all across Wansbeck throughout what has been another extremely difficult year for so many families in our communities.