It’s almost time for the YorkMix Hero Awards 2023 – let’s meet our finalists for Neighbour of the Year and Parent or Guardian of the Year awards.
The award ceremony will take place at York Racecourse on Thursday 26 October where the winners will be revealed.
The final category, The Ultimate Hero Award, will be open for voting on the night.
With thanks to our awards supporters. Keep reading to meet the last of our amazing finalists.
The YorkMix Hero Awards 2023 are kindly supported by Yorkshire Profiles – providers of quality assured metal fabrication at the heart of North Yorkshire.
The Neighbour of the Year Award
The Neighbour of the Year Award is sponsored by Hayley Owen.
The finalists for The Neighbour of the Year Award are RJC Plant Services, Samantha Ripley and Vivienne Osbourne.
RJC Plant Services is a grab and sweeper hire company based in Tadcaster. Formed in 2014, they provide a range of services including grab hire and aggregates with a fleet of 25 vehicles working across Yorkshire. One person who nominated them said, “They live and breathe one of their key values of giving back and are continually looking at ways to support the local community.” Some of their recent activity includes rewarding the local primary school teachers with a surprise tea party to say thank you for their work during the pandemic, purchasing a defibrillator to the local village, making food bank donations, and much more.
When a neighbour was struggling during Covid, Samantha Ripley has “always been free for a cuppa and chat or support whenever needed,” someone who nominated her said. From popping medicine through the door or lending food items, “Sam always has a smile on her face and ready to help” even when dealing with her own struggles. “Through Covid something lovely has come out, and I gained a fantastic, caring and lovely friend.”
Vivienne Osborne is the owner of the much-loved Osbornes@68 cafe on Gillygate. “I personally have always felt I have a home there,” one person who nominated her said. “Viv is a constant friendly face to customers and those who cross her path – she has made a wonderful connection of friends with the other shop owners along Gillygate and locally, always trying to promote and lift them up where she can. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’ve come from, if you need help and Viv can offer it she will.”
The Parent or Guardian of the Year Award
The finalists for The Parent or Guardian of the Year Award are Aston Beatson, Caroline Rhodes, and Linda and Paul Gledhill.
One person who nominated Aston Beatson said, “When I thought I didn’t have a dad out there, my brother reunited me with my dad – he’s been through a tough time. He’s been a fantastic dad that I could of asked for. He checks up on me every day and night. I can’t thank him enough.”
Someone who nominated Caroline Rhodes said she is “truly an extraordinary parent who has stood as an unwavering pillar of strength beside her 14-year-old son, William, throughout his arduous battle with Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Behind William’s courageous fight against this challenging health condition, Caroline shines as a wonderful woman who spares no effort to ensure her son’s well-being. Her dedication to her son’s health is truly commendable.” Caroline also advocates for knowledge about Diamond Blackfan Anemia by spreading awareness of the rare condition and gives regular blood donations.
One person who nominated Linda and Paul Gledhill said that “they have been married 40 years and are loved very much by family, friends and our community.” They have had a tough time with illness after Linda was seriously ill with Covid in 2021 and had to have a tracheostomy and learn to walk again. “It has been a massive battle over the last few years but she has not given up.” Paul has unfortunately been diagnosed with motor neurone disease this year. “He has kept a positive attitude and trying to keep as much independence as possible – he gets very tired but still enjoys family time and keeps his jokes coming.”