An emotional night was had in Teesside tonight as the region’s unsung heroes were honoured at The Gazette’s Community Champions Awards.
Celebrating the extraordinary people living across our area and what makes Teesside so great, the ceremony saw some of our most deserving people take the stage in recognition for their exceptional efforts.
Held at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium, the evening was attended by finalists shortlisted in 11 different categories - with one overall winner from each being chosen.
You can read the stories of all of this year's entrants here and we will publish pictures from tonight's event tomorrow.
Green Champion Award
Sponsored by Banks Group
Winner
Richard Smith
Richard and the Dig It team have helped scores of people grow their own fruit and vegetables in a bid to get to the root of the increasing obesity problem.
Runners up
David Saddington and Wilton Primary School
Children and Young People’s Champion
Sponsored by Stockton Council
Winner
Jenna Johnson
Youth worker Jenna puts her heart and soul into her role, from organising themed trips to learning sign language to communicate with deaf children.
The Redcar 27-year-old also runs three after-school clubs a week at the Trinity Centre in North Ormesby.
Runners up
Carol Lumley and Tracy Melville
Champion Ambassador
Sponsored by Castlegate Shopping Centre
Winner: Mike McGrother - Stocktonian Mike is on a mission to shout up for his beloved town.
Through a series of projects and events over recent years, he has been determined to make people see Teesside is an area to be proud of, while helping make it a better place for future generations.
Runners up: Paul Burgum and Barbara Dunne
Champion Parent
Sponsored by Middlesbrough College
Winner
Mohammed Azeem
Mohammed is not just a father to his five children but also a mother and friend.
The Linthorpe dad was left a single parent when his beloved wife Uzma died after developing rare complications when pregnant with their fifth child.
Runners up
Gemma Sands and Lucy Toner Gowland
Outstanding Act of Bravery
Sponsored by SABIC
Winner
Paul Arnison
When Paul saw a distressed woman at the edge of a shopping centre roof he acted swiftly.
He struck up a conversation before pulling her away from the 50ft drop at the HillStreet Centre where he works as a customer care worker.
Runners up
Jacy Charville, Lisa Harvey and Ross Graham
Young Community Champion
Sponsored by the University of Sunderland
Winner
Owen Swift
Teenager Owen not only helped with the creation of the successful Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club but is an ardent player, coach and fundraiser for the team.
The 16-year-old underwent five operations last year but still helped his team to second place in the national league.
Runners up
Grace Franklin and Roseworth Young People’s Steering Group
Armed Forces Champion
Winner
John Podzukites
Veteran seaman John, from Ingleby Barwick, risked his life on the perilous Arctic Convoys during the Second World War - at one point coming under 18 attacks in 48 hours.
The convoy arrived safely without loss with its cargo of war materials.
South Bank-born John, 91, was this year awarded the Arctic Star in recognition of his services.
Champion Fundraiser
Sponsored by npower
Winner
Andy Gowland
Andy was devastated when his daughter Holly, then three, was diagnosed with leukaemia.
But the dad set about fundraising - launching the Hope for Holly charity which has included buying a holiday home for families.
Runners up
Trevor Cox and Victoria’s Wish
Community Champion
Sponsored by Johnson Matthey
Winner
Kevin Pitt
Kevin has devoted his time to improving the most deprived areas within the Billingham area.
He has 19 ongoing projects helping people across a range of areas including one at allotments in Port Clarence which has given a platform for healthy eating as well helping as people with disabilities improve their skills.
Runners up
Cheryl Dixon and Lyndsey Peters
Champion Carer
Sponsored by NHS Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees CCG and NHS South Tees CCG
Winner
Naiomi Wise
When soldier James Rose lost both his legs serving in Afghanistan, his fiancee Naiomi helped keep him going and since the incident in 2009 the Marton couple have overcome obstacles that nobody should have to face.
Runners up
Mary Bilous and Jean Briggs
Champion Child of Courage
Sponsored by Northumbrian Water
Winners
Kacey Day
Kacey was determined to help best friend Rebecca Henderson following her diagnosis with a rare cancer.
So when Rebecca began losing her hair through the treatment Kacey stepped in and had her head shaved to make sure her friend wouldn’t feel alone.
Holly Toner Gowland
Holly was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a week before her fourth birthday.
It is now more than two months since the six-year-old received her last treatment.
Holly has battled through her treatment with no complaints or fuss.
She has battled through with positivity, personality and a huge heart.
Ryan Savage
Brave Ryan has not only tackled cancer twice but dedicated hours to helping others.
The eight-year-old was diagnosed with a stage four neuroblastoma when he was three then developed a second tumour a year later.
Now free of the disease, he spends his time raising money for others.
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