Local Hero Awards

Acts of courage, outstanding achievements and inspiring individuals were all recognised during last night’s Cheshire Local Hero Awards.

Hosted by Cheshire radio station Silk 106.9 and sponsored by Cheshire East Council, the awards were held at Crewe Hall Hotel. Local heroes were awarded in 12 categories, with three-year old carer Maxx Whitham receiving the overarching ‘Pride of Cheshire’ award.

The infant carer from Crewe was recognised for his outstanding life-saving actions when phoning for help on two occasions after his disabled mother had fallen and injured herself in the family home. This is alongside his astonishing commitment to caring for his mother every day, despite his young age.

Maxx’s mother, Kerri-Louise Whitham, said: “I am so proud of Maxx and he continues to amaze and impress me every day. He is a truly inspirational little boy, who has had to grow up so quickly and I just don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Further life-saving actions were recognised during the ceremony with the ‘Act of Courage’ award, which was presented to forty four Norman Belfield. Norman bravely confronted a man who held a woman at gunpoint at Nabb’s Quarry, in Macclesfield, deterring the attacker and risking his own life to save another.

Alongside life-saving actions, other recurring themes on the night included the selfless motivations of Cheshire East residents, whose fundraising, determination and resilience helped to make 2017 a year with some unforgettable winners.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Once again The Local Hero Awards have highlighted how many fantastic and inspirational people there are within Cheshire East.“The stories we’ve listened to tonight have been incredible and it was an honour to have met some of the nominees and winners this evening.”

Also in attendance on the night was the Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Arthur Moran, Cheshire East Council’s acting deputy chief executive, Frank Jordan, alongside Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for Finance and Communications. Representatives from the selected charity for the awards, the Leighton Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group, were also present. A total of £460 was raised on the night and will go towards supporting those who are suffering with prostate cancer.

David Flavell, station manager at Silk 106.9, said: “We are immensely proud to host the Local Hero Awards, which, due to its success and great investment from the general public, has enabled it to continue into its 20th year. It’s important to be able to pay tribute to some of the thousands of people across Cheshire that are doing such brilliant work in our communities.“I’d like to thank all our sponsors, not least Cheshire East Council, our overall sponsor, for their continued support in recognising and celebrating Cheshire’s unsung heroes.”