Outstanding dedication hailed as Stockton honours community heroes

Cllr Ross Patterson gave out civic awards for outstanding achievements and selfless acts, as well as customer service excellence awards, saying it was sometimes impossible to choose winners, adding: “There were so many great nominations.”

Felicity Hide, 11, was given the young person award for her work volunteering with the Community Public Access Defibrillators Group raising money and awareness for the life-saving devices in Ingleby Barwick. “Felicity is an inspirational young person who is making a huge contribution and difference to her community for now and in the future,” said Cllr Patterson.

Ann McCabe received a service to the community award for “outstanding dedication and exceptional contribution” as a volunteer at the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital for more than 20 years. She raised £13,000 through jumble and plant sales to thank Ward 24 for caring for her husband, and dedicated about 3,000 hours of her time to the hospital in the last four years.

Ann McCabe was among those to receive civic honours from Stockton Council Picture: DAVE CHARNLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

“Over two decades later, she is still passionate and enthusiastic as ever,” added Cllr Patterson.

A special service to the community award was given posthumously to Stephen Shaw, for his “exceptional work over three decades and the positive difference he made to the council and the lives of thousands of our residents across generations of families”, notably an energy switching scheme to help people save money on bills, and the Warm Homes Healthy People project enabling people to receive over £4m in unclaimed benefits. The award was presented to his sister Bernadette.

Volunteer drivers at the North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust received a services to the community award. The 25 drivers continued taking patients home after hospital stays in the pandemic, helped them get to urgent appointments and delivered essential medication and equipment.

Haulage and recycling company Scott Bros Ltd was given a services to the community business award after sponsoring sports clubs, making charity donations, supporting fund-raising campaigns and clean-ups, providing transport and storage, helping schools and offering a free skip to autism charity Daisy Chain after a devastating break-in. Cllr Patterson said: “Their kindness and generosity does deserve recognition.”

Peter Scott, left, and David Scott, of Scott Bros Picture: DAWN MCNAMARA

The health and wellbeing award went to Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie, who raised more than £55,000 for organisations like Cancer Research UK, the Butterwick Hospice and the James Cook Holistic Centre while she fought off cancer after a diagnosis at the age of 31.

Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie has raised more than £55,000 for good causes

Julie Harrison received the green award after speaking to more than 3,200 students in schools across Teesside in the last year. Cllr Patterson said: “Julie goes very much the extra mile teaching students about all things STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), and how they can be used positively for climate action… encouraging them to think beyond the here and now and imagine a greener future.”

Julie Harrison received the green award from Stockton Council Picture: DAVE CHARNLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Four foster carers received carer awards for their dedication, commitment, love and care. Leanne and Stephen Cuthbert care for a child who has complex health needs. Cllr Patterson said: “Leanne and Stephen have created a secure base for him to grow up and develop, and are strong advocates on his behalf.”

Malcolm and Shelley Atherton dedicated their lives to fostering since 1992 and supported many children. Cllr Patterson said: “Malcolm and Shelley always have the children in their care at the forefront of all they do, and are so passionate about providing children with a loving and supportive home.

Foster carers Malcolm and Shelly Atherton from Norton Picture: DAVE CHARNLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

“Malcolm and Shelley have the invaluable ability to always see things from children’s perspective and will do all they can to persevere and support children through difficult times. Their service to the children of the borough has been immeasurable and I’m sure will continue for many years to come.”

Customer services excellence awards were given to workers described as shining examples and excellent ambassadors. They went to public health intelligence specialist James O’Donnell as star employee, Elizabeth Snowdon from the parks and gardens service as star apprentice, and the “ground-breaking” star team at the Employment and Training Hub.

Special recognition was given to street cleaner Anthony Mackin. “He was a hero in high-vis. He was working at Preston Park and rescued a dog and owner from the River Tees,” said Cllr Patterson, who also presented awards to staff for 25 and 40 years’ service.

He later said: “It was an honour to present the winners with their awards and their remarkable contributions have improved many lives across the borough. They’re great examples of the community spirit which runs through our borough and it was an absolute pleasure to shine a light on these exceptional people, whose kindness truly makes a difference.”