Gateshead residents were honoured in an award ceremony recently for their contribution to the local community.
Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Malcolm Brain, said: “Every single one of our winners should be very proud to receive an award that was voted on by the public. Without the commitment and hard work of volunteers, the opportunities offered by sporting clubs and coaches, our communities would be poorer places. My congratulations go to all the winners and everyone else who was nominated for this year’s Gateshead Awards. Well done!”
Gateshead Storm Community Rugby League Club netted an outstanding hatrick of awards. Mick Jones picked up the Sports Achiever of the Year, the Club was named Sports Club of the Year and their under 15 Team was awarded Sports Team of the Year.
Jumping ahead of the rest to take the Sports Coach of the Year was Linda Appleby, who encourages hundreds of young people to take up trampolining. Linda is a coach at Whickham School.
The final sporting award – the Maureen Chaplin Young Sports Achiever of the Year was presented to Milly Russell who was recognised for her commitment to community sport and dedication to Rugby League. Milly was also an Olympic Torchbearer.
From a shortlist of six, it was LiteBite Blaydon & Swalwell that emerged the winner of the Voluntary Organisation of the Year category. They provide lunch in a sociable setting one day a week for isolated and vulnerable people.
Congratulations go to Joanne Smith, who was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Joanne runs FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together), a former cancer sufferer herself, she set up FACT to make sure that cancer sufferers and their families get the support they need.
Carer of the Year went to Paul Gwynn. Paul is the main carer for his mum as well as being part of the ‘Moving Forward’ service which helps people with mental health problems.
The winners were as follows:
Carer of the Year – Paul Gwynn
Maureen Chaplin Young Sports Achiever of the Year – Milly Russell
Sport Achiever of the Year – Mick Jones
Sports Coach of the Year – Linda Appleby
Sports Club of the Year – Gateshead Storm
Sports Team of the Year – Gateshead Storm Under 15s
Volunteer of the Year – Joanne Smith
Voluntary Organisation of the Year – LiteBite Blaydon & Swalwell
Young Person of the Year – Milly Russell
