Heroes of every age and background were honoured at one of York’s glitziest nights of the year.
The fourth YorkMix Hero Awards celebrated the kindest, the bravest, the most generous people. And it was quite a party.
More than 200 people came to a beautifully decked out Voltigeur Suite at York Racecourse for the event. And 12 left with a hero award.
David Green, MD of YorkMix, said: “It was another incredible night, filled with inspirational stories from amazing people.
“Our awards are a very welcome reminder that this world is filled with acts of selflessness, courage and kindness. And one of the best parts of our job is to shine a spotlight on our otherwise unsung heroes, and say a very public thank you.”
With the Sheriff of York Fiona Fitzpatrick in attendance, 12 honours were given out to York and North Yorkshire heroes, in categories including The Incredible Child Award and Charity Fundraiser of the Year.
And everyone at the ceremony was able to vote for one finalist to be crowned the Ultimate Hero at the end of the night.
The evening was introduced by David Green and hosted by Laura Castle and Leigh Nicholson, known to all as the hosts of the YorkMix Radio Breakfast Club.
The YorkMix Hero Awards 2024 are kindly supported by Yorkshire Profiles – providers of quality assured metal fabrication at the heart of North Yorkshire.
And for the first time, the ceremony was live-streamed by our video team so everyone could watch the celebrations as they happened.
Singer songwriter and rising star Kerri Watt got the evening off to an brilliant start with her live set.
An energetic game of Family Fortunes followed, with our winner receiving tickets to the York Races Music Showcase to see Kaiser Chiefs.
The raffle, with prizes including a stay at Middletons Hotel, distillery tours with Ellers Farm, a framed Castleford Tigers shirt and a private box at York RLFC, raised £1,540 for those amazing volunteers at York Rescue Boat.
So who won? We’re glad you asked…
The Best Boss Award
Winner: Rebecca Stewart at the Quakerwood Pub, York
“Bex goes above and beyond for not only her staff but the whole community. She puts everyone before herself and makes sure everyone’s needs are met. She does incredible work for charity time and time again. She really makes such an impact on everyone who comes into the pub.”
Finalists: Ken Merry, York College; Amy Cousins & Susannah Garcia, Harlington House
Charity Fundraiser of the Year
Winner: Louise Ryan
“Louise lost her husband Dominic aged 46 in 2023, ten months after he was diagnosed with glioblastoma tumours. Dominic was cared for in St Leonard’s Hospice for the last few weeks of his life.
“Soon after Dominic died, Louise and his family launched a fundraising campaign to buy a cuddle bed for the hospice – that’s a special bed which converts into a double to allow family members to lay with their loved ones. Various events have been held, including Dominic’s 11-year-old daughter climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks! The campaign is going amazingly well with £20,000 secured for one bed. She’s now planning to raise enough to buy two beds which is around £32K. Louise is still thinking of others at this most heartbreaking time.”
Finalists: Amanda Cockerill; Paul Firth
Sponsor: Ate O’Clock Restaurant
The Educator of the Year
Winner: Mrs Thomas and Mrs Dodsworth
“They go above and beyond for autistic children. My son had a horrible experience at his mainstream school. Once he started Haxby Road ERP, they put everything in place, going out of their way to make sure he is happy and feels safe and secure. So much so that when it’s the weekend or holidays he cries as misses it so much. He describes them as his best friends.
“No task is too much for them – they genuinely care about each one of those children and won’t stop until they succeed in helping them.”
Finalists: Chris Hailey Norris; Christina Gabbitas
The Environmental Hero Award
Winner: The Clothing Bank, Brotherton
“This started as two ladies working from a garden shed. They’ve donated unwanted clothes to thousands of people. These include working people and students – they get referrals from teachers and college tutors. They have people all over the place who are drop-off points, then the clothes are collected and taken to The Clothing Bank. From there, the clothes are sorted and sent off to those in them.
“They are lovely women, helping people who are struggling.”
Finalists: Outdoor Ted & Drax Community Education Team; Helen Del Voy
Sponsor: Taylor’s of Acomb
The Incredible Child Award
Winner: Freya Moore
“Freya’s younger sister Harper was diagnosed with an aggressive leukaemia called AML in October 2022. Freya and Harper were separated for the best part of nine months while Harper went through treatment, and during that time, the family has been supported by Candlelighters.
“Candlelighters provide support to families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer as well as blood related illnesses and conditions. Freya asked us earlier this year if she could do a challenge to raise money for the charity and now we are only a couple of months away from the day itself.
“Freya and dad Bob will be doing a 3K run with obstacles on Sunday 23rd June.”
Finalists: Megan Dodds; Macey and Heidi
Sponsor: Fairfax Plant Hire
The Neighbour of the Year Award
Winner: ‘Team Teddy’ – Rosemary and William Dear, Nick, Anna, Judy, Lesley & Kath
“‘Team Teddy’ are a group of amazing neighbours in New Earswick who saved the life of my 92 year old father, Ted, in March. Ted had suffered a severe fall at home one evening. Rosemary and William saw that my father’s curtains were not drawn when they were going to bed. They checked on him and found him laid out on the kitchen floor. They called an ambulance and other neighbours, Nick and Anna, who came to help. Had it not been for the vigilance and care of this wonderful group of neighbours, I am in no doubt that my father would not have survived to celebrate his 92nd birthday in April.
“They had already made a difference to my father’s life, looking out for him and helping with gardening, cooking and generally being sociable. This wonderful team of neighbours are inspirational and should be recognised and celebrated.”
Finalists: David and Carole Metcalfe; Mrs Margaret Bulmer
Sponsor: Hayley Owen
The New Business of the Year Award
Winner: Camblesforth Hall and The Grange
“Having taken on Grade I listed Camblesforth Hall in 2020, husband and wife Byron and Naomi Ward have transformed the once derelict manor house and crumbling barns into a unique wedding venue. Opening their home and grounds to couples over a three day period, they have provided an exclusive venue, comprising an historic house, including luxury accommodation for the bridal party, a rustic chic barn venue, and a secluded, tropical walled garden.
“Naomi and Byron are continuously looking for ways to improve the venue and the couples’ experience. They are currently renovating the top floor of the house to provide further guest accommodation. They are fantastic to work with and support and promote other local businesses, both through weddings and the community fayres that they hold biannually.”
Finalists: Baby Boy’s Burgers; ‘That Place’ Piercing Shop
The Outstanding Bravery Award
Winner: City Cruises team
“Jamie, Pete, Craig, Andy and Neil especially showed exemplary acts of bravery and selflessness on 12 January. Between them, they demonstrated exceptional resolve when they spotted a woman in the river. Without hesitation, they sprang into action, displaying remarkable teamwork and resilience, reaching the struggling woman and providing much- needed support before the emergency services arrived.
“Their collective efforts not only showcased their individual bravery but also underscored the power of teamwork in the face of adversity. Their swift response to a challenging situation undoubtedly played a crucial role in preventing a potentially tragic outcome. I am very proud to work with some incredible people and selfless individuals who, without a second thought, put the wellbeing of another above their own.”
On the night, the City Cruises winners dedicated the award to another finalist, six year old Olivia Patterson.
Finalists: Olivia Patterson; Nathan Harrison
Sponsor: Middletons Hotel and Emperors Gym
The Outstanding Talent Award
Winner: Jacob Phillips
“Jacob is a nine year old extreme forms ICO British Champion. He started competing a year ago and won silver at the ICO World Championships last year and has qualified to represent ICO England at this year’s World Championships in Germany.”
Sadly Jacob couldn’t be at the ceremony .
Finalists: Lyla Fox; Kym Heath
Sponsor: The Web Adventure Park
The Parent or Guardian of the Year Award
Winner: Laura and John Duffy-Moss
Laura and John Duffy-Moss are the parents of one-year-old Margot, who was born with a rare condition called bilateral anophthalmia, which means she has no eyes. While they found the initial diagnosis traumatic, Laura and John soon put that aside and set about finding how best to support their daughter.
Laura says: “The only way that I can describe Margot is beautiful inside and out. I think that she has taught us so much and she has changed our world in a way that we appreciate life and appreciate the very small things in life far more than we previously did.”
The parents support Margot through surgery every few months, as well as looking after their other daughter. Their remarkably positive approach is an inspiration
Finalists: Natasha Smith; Patricia Green
Sponsor: Mama Doreen’s Cupcake Emporium
In The Face of Adversity Award
Winner: Haroon Ahmadzai
“Most students attending English for Speakers of Other Languages classes have had to overcome extremely difficult circumstances. Haroon approaches every day as ‘a day to learn’. He is polite, enthusiastic and a pleasure to be with. He fully embraces his time at college and deserves recognition for his attitude. In class he is extremely helpful to his classmates. He always brightens the day and has the ability to make everyone laugh. His kindness, thoughtfulness and resilience have shone through this year whilst he has had to cope with a bereavement in his beloved foster family.
“Outside of class he volunteers in a charity shop, works in a village pub and plays cricket. The combination of all these activities, plus his attitude to learning, mean that in speaking and listening he has flown from Entry 1 last year to Level 1.
“Haroon deserves the very best in life because he gives so much. He’s a great ambassador for Afghanistan, a role model for other refugees and a shining example of kindness.”
Finalists: Sonia Di Lorenzo; Angela Kirkham-Raine
Sponsor: Matt Gray Hospitality
The Ultimate Hero Award
Winner: Olivia Patterson
The winner was chosen from all the finalists by a vote from everyone gathered at the awards. They selected six-year-old Olivia, nominated for the Outstanding Bravery award. She was playing outside when she saw flames coming from the roof of her house in Riccall. Inside her mum and two young siblings were having a nap. She ran inside to raise the alarm, telling her mum: “Get up, there’s a fire!” Thanks to her quick action the fire service were called and everyone got out of the house safely. Well done Olivia!
Sponsored by: Yorkshire Profiles