Shining stars win recognition in memorable evening

HAVING served his country with distinction, Colour Sergeant Gary Golbey faces an uncertain future with the same unfailing bravery he displayed on the front line with the Staffords.

He battled his way back to health after being diagnosed with a brain tumour to complete 22-and-a-half years of service, but is now suffering from cancer.

Last night he won the Beyond the Call of Duty award for being what the judges termed a "true inspiration to us all".

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Spiby, said: "We would have forgiven him if he had chosen to sit on his backside and drink tea. It was obviously painful and exhausting, but he carried on.

"Suddenly, those of us complaining of sore backs and bad knees felt rather pathetic. This is a soldier who has never asked for an ounce of sympathy, nor has he had one.

"What he has, in spades, is the unwavering respect and admiration of his peers."

The 42-year-old, from Kidsgrove, said: "It's amazing to get this award. I don't feel like I deserve it though.

"It was such a shock finding out I had cancer, but all I want to do is see my two young kids grow up and bring them up how my stepdad brought me up."

Members of campaign group Cure the NHS have made a stand for thousands of NHS patients across the country.

They have been fighting a David versus Goliath battle for the last 18 months in memory of their loved ones to improve conditions for patients at Stafford Hospital.

The group, which was set up by Julie Bailey after the death of her mother, were winners of the Community Group of the Year category.

Julie, from Stafford, told The Sentinel: "It really is an honour to receive this award and be here among so many great people.

"It's a privilege to be recognised for the struggle we have been through.

"We will continue to campaign until we get the answers we deserve."

Heart-rending stories of brave youngsters who have battled through adversity during tough times and without complaining summed up the spirit of the Our Heroes event.

An inspirational role model for young people everywhere, 16-year-old Paul Martin helps his single mum Jayne to care for her adopted children Jack and Stacey, who have learning difficulties.

The teenager, from Meir, was awarded the Bright Young Thing award for showing maturity beyond his years.

And he said: "I'm very proud to receive the award. I never expected it. I just do what I do because I want to help my mum and I know it's difficult for her.

"It's amazing I've won. It makes it all seem worthwhile."

Fourteen-year-old sisters Sophi and Sammi Webb, from Bentilee, who received separate nominations, were last night named as Children of Courage.

Sophi has undergone brain surgery twice since she was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumour and Sammi helps her sister however she can.

Sammi said: "I'm really chuffed with the award. It feels like I've achieved something."

And Sophi added: "She's the best sister in the world.

"It's so nice we can share the award together."

The ceremony was packed with inspirational and emotional tales of people working to make a difference in their communities and going beyond the call of duty in order to help and support others. John Knight, vice-chairman of Union Street and Forest Park Residents' Association in Hanley, does just that.

The 69-year-old is instrumental in reducing the fear of crime in his neighbourhood.

John won the Good Neighbour award for developing and maintaining a sense of community spirit in his neighbourhood.

And he told The Sentinel he was "over the moon" to be recognised.

John said: "I'm very honoured. It's something I do because it's important for the whole community.

"What we need is some fresh blood in the group, but nobody is coming forward so we are continuing the best we can."

School family support co-ordinator Rachel Dyer, who took home the School Star award for her work, was summed up by her boss at Crewe's Leighton Primary School, headteacher Glyn Turner, as "phenomenal".

The 35-year-old, from Crewe, tried extraordinary reading techniques to get boys hooked on books.

She said: "You have to do something different and interesting to get children's attention.

"Dads reading to their sons while jumping on trampolines certainly did that.

"I'm really proud to win this award, but I really enjoy working with the children, so it's not a task I find difficult."

Until his death in May this year, Jenny Meakin had spent two years caring for husband Alan, who suffered from heart disease.

Now the 57-year-old from Betchton, near Sandbach, is the sole carer for three adopted young people with Down's Syndrome and her 34-year-old son, who suffered a serious brain injury eight years ago.

Jenny told The Sentinel she wished Alan could have been here to see her pick up the Adult Carer award.

She said: "It's been very emotional. It's such a shame Alan wasn't around to see this. I know he would have been so proud of me.

"He only died four months ago so it's still very hard to come to terms with.

"But I wasn't expecting this at all. It's wonderful to win."

Staff at Two Towns medical practice in Hanford received the Hero of the NHS award for the service they provide to around 8,000 people.

GP Kirti Metha said the practice was "delighted" to win the award. He added: "It makes all the hard work very worthwhile.

"It is a big team effort and no-one's role goes unnoticed.

"It's fantastic to get recognised for just doing your job. It's nothing more than that."

Charity champion Bernard Welsh is determined to carry on his good work helping people benefit from occupational therapy.

The 61-year-old underwent occupational therapy himself after retiring from his job as a teacher because of mental health problems.

Bernard, from Meir, said: "I didn't expect to win at all because the other nominees were very worthy winners.

"It's been a great evening and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"I feel that I've benefited personally through volunteering, so it's been hugely rewarding.

"My own experience has enabled me to help other sufferers and I've got a lot out of that."

It was eight-year-old Kavanagh Hood, from Clayton, who stole the show, when he ran on to the stage to congratulate Jonny Wilkes for his special Editor's Award, shouting "Ay up, me duck".

Kavanagh, who suffers from a host of serious ailments, including learning difficulties and three heart conditions, came third in the Child of Courage category.

Several Potteries celebrities that couldn't make the event, including Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt and manager Micky Adams, made video messages to congratulate the nominees.

And Potteries-born TV presenter Anthea Turner said: "It's been another fabulously successful event and we've heard some amazing stories from people who were nominated for and who received awards.

"You just think where would the community be without these people?"

Author, TV presenter and animal rights campaigner Wendy Turner-Webster said: "I've been coming to these awards since they started and I have to say this year's has been the most inspirational.

"It's a very humbling and very entertaining event which gets better and better each year. "These people are real heroes who have made a difference to the lives of others and it has been a pleasure to be here to recognise their achievements."

Potteries entertainer Jonathan Wilkes, who launched proceedings with a rendition of 'Can't Take My Eyes off You' by Andy Williams, said he was proud to come from Stoke-on-Trent.

Jonny added: "It has been another amazing year.

"Everyone who came on to this stage tonight is a true star.

"I'm very proud of you all."

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