The votes have been counted and we are pleased to announce the winners of the Gateshead Award 2011.
Volunteer of the Year
The volunteer of the year award went to Lesley Rutter, who overcame her own health problems to work with Gateshead Council’s Get With It volunteering programme and is training to become a Health Trainer Champion so she can help even more people.
Sports Achiever of the Year
Sydney Robson, a man who has committed over 35 years of his life to coaching young athletes voluntarily, was also awarded the outstanding achievement on top of his sports achiever of the year award. Many of Syd’s athletes have progressed to international level and, despite being well into his 70s and having a hip replacement, two strokes and a pacemaker fitted, he continues to coach twice per week.
Voluntary Organisation of the Year
The award for voluntary organisation of the year went to Arthritis Care’s Gateshead Branch, who support a number of arthritis sufferers to live more independently with newsletters, aqua fit swimming sessions and outings.
Sports Team of the Year
Rutherford Deaf Football Club were named sports team of the year. They are the British Deaf League Northern Division Champions after finishing unbeaten last season and three of their players went on to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Denmark.
Sports Club of the Year
The sports club of the year award was presented to Gateshead Kestrels Disability Sports Club, who provide high quality sporting opportunities for 70 children and young adults with physical, sensory and learning disabilities. The Gateshead Kestrel Swimming Squad has represented the North East at a number of national events.
Young Person of the Year
Jasmine West picked up the young person of the year award. Jasmine volunteers for a number of organisations, including homeless charity Aquila Way, and works with other young people who have experienced similar problems to her in the past
Carer of the Year
Pippa Murray, one of the wardens at the Hospital of King James in Felling, was awarded the carer of the year award. She has secured funding to upgrade the residents’ lounge, joined forces with the community health team to build their confidence, and organised a number of trips and treats.
Sports Coach of the Year
Football coach and youth club leader Sam Little was given the sports coach of the year award for his tireless dedication to sport. He has been playing football since he was 11 and qualified as a referee aged 15, now studying for his degree, he continues to referee each weekend and coach three under 11 teams at Blaydon Youth Club.
Maureen Chaplin Young Sports Achiever of the Year
Charlotte Young has volunteered for over 200 hours so far this year. She is a member of the Gateshead/ Whickham Sports Leadership and sailed with disabled students from the Cedars Sports College. She was rewarded with the Maureen Chaplin young sports achiever of the year award, named in honour of the former Mayor of Gateshead