Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards: Inspirational 17-year-old and hero doctor among unsung stars to be honoured
Caring Spirit Award winner: Sheila McGivern
At the Southern Area Hospice in Newry, few colleagues embody care and compassion like receptionist Sheila McGivern. For 35 years she has been soothing thousands of patients and families during their most difficult hours. Sheila is often the first person to greet families as they enter the hospice and she offers each of them something no training course or manual can teach; true empathy.
With a kind word, a reassuring smile and a heart full of grace, she brings comfort when it's needed most, and families will frequently recount how it was Sheila who kept them going through the hardest times.
Over the decades, she has shaped the ethos of the hospice, becoming a cornerstone of its spirit. Quiet, constant, and profound, Sheila is truly a caring spirit.
7 minutes ago
Environmental Hero: Ballinascreen Scouts
In the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, the Ballinascreen Scouts have been tirelessly sowing the seeds for environmental change for over 30 years.
The Draperstown-based group's efforts go far and beyond simple litter picks, they build insect hotels, bird boxes, squirrel feeders, and revitalise rivers and ponds, all using recycled materials. From their youngest Beaver Scouts to their teenage adventurers, each child is taught the first lesson of outdoor pursuits – take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
Their hands-on work in conservation isn't just good for nature but it is helping to transform their community, inspiring young people to protect what matters. They've planted native trees, restored neglected spaces, and championed the red squirrel's return.
Their leaders and youth members are united by one shared belief, the earth matters, and they can make a difference.
13 minutes ago
Young Carer Award winner: Alex Cooper
Alex Cooper is only 17, but he is a pillar of strength for his family. As the eldest of five siblings, he plays a vital role in caring for his 14-year-old brother Zachary, who lives with complex medical needs.
From early morning NG tube feeds before school, to night-time ventilator checks, Alex can always be relied upon. He is there for his brother every day; quietly, patiently and lovingly.
But his care doesn't stop at home. Alex gives his time to help other young people with additional needs, volunteering with Goal Line Youth Trust and Ripples Special Olympics. He teaches children with disabilities to swim, helps them grow in confidence, and gives them space to shine.
He's helped non-swimmers take their first strokes and coached children to take on new challenges, all because they trust him. He also volunteers at events his parents organise for special needs families, always the first to show up with a helping hand and the last to leave. Alex is at a stage in life where many of his peers focus on themselves, instead Alex chooses to put the needs of others before his own.
His empathy, commitment, and unwavering spirit are rare and remarkable. He didn't choose this role, but he embraced it wholeheartedly, lifting up everyone around him in the process and showing how special it is to care for someone.
19 minutes ago
Community Hero: Sound Around Ards (Talking Newspapers)
For almost half a century this incredible group of 35 volunteers has created a lifeline for the visually impaired, producing weekly CDs filled with local news, stories and laughter from the Ards and North Down area.
For many, these familiar voices might be the only ones they hear all week. Each CD brings the outside world in, reminding listeners that they are not alone. Over 2,000 editions have been created and shared with individuals and care homes, completely free of charge.
These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things, not for applause, but because they care. They bring joy, dignity and belonging to those who might otherwise feel isolated and inject a strong sense of community into the local area.
The Sound Around Ards team are true community heroes, proof that sometimes the most powerful acts of kindness are those that happen quietly, behind the scenes.
26 minutes ago
Up next: Four more awards
Community Hero
Young Carer
Environmental Hero
Caring Champion
These were slated for 9.45pm and we'll be under way at 9.50pm. That's not bad going, is it?
27 minutes ago
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How does it feel to be a winner?
Take it from somebody who knows - 999 Hero Constable Stephen Dickson.
Today 08:10 PM
That feeling when your name is called out 🤩
Today 08:04 PM
Spirit of Health: Dr Vicky Cochrane
As a GP, Dr Cochrane treats hundreds of patients with care but she has become a lifeline to one grieving mother after the devastating loss her baby twin boys, and later her baby daughter due to Edward's syndrome.
Dr Cochrane was a constant source of support in her patient's life and didn't just show up during appointments but came to visit her out of hours offering a shoulder to cry on. She mourned with the family, remembered birthdays and even bought gifts in memory of the children.
This care was not prescribed but given freely by Dr Cochrane from a place of deep empathy. Dr Cochrane's strength lies not only in her clinical excellence, but in how she makes her patients feel seen, validated, and truly cared for.
Today 07:58 PM
Spirit of Youth – Eibhlín Totten
Eibhlín Totten has overcome more in the past three years than most people do in a lifetime. At just fifteen years old, in the summer of 2021, a sudden brain hemorrhage changed everything for Eibhlín and her family. One moment she was out with friends, living a carefree teenage life, the next she was in the ICU hooked up to wires and machines and waiting to undergo life-saving surgery. Unable to speak or move, doctors feared the worst, but Eibhlín kept the faith and tapped into an unending reserve of strength, courage, and determination.
Throughout her 10-month stint in hospital, Eibhlín had to relearn how to talk, walk, and how to complete hundreds of everyday tasks we all take for granted but finally the day arrived when she could return home to her family, friends and school life again.
Her first full sentence after six months? 'What did I get in my GCSEs?' That drive never left her. Despite her ongoing health challenges and reliance on a wheelchair, Eibhlín has faced each day with positivity, grace, and a beaming smile. She returned to school, earned top grades in her AS levels, and is now preparing to sit her A Levels and continue on to university. Eibhlín is a reminder to all of us that adversity does not define us, our response to it does. Eibhlín refuses to let her circumstances dim the possibility of a bright future and in doing so, she teaches us what true strength looks like.
Today 07:51 PM
Spirit of Youth Award winner: Noah McVeigh
During his final year of primary school, Noah's mum received a breast cancer diagnosis, and his family faced a frightening period of uncertainty no child should ever know.
Rather than retreat into himself, Noah found the courage to create something remarkable and bring some joy to his mum and other family members. Inspired by family trips to watch the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team, Noah designed a comic book which would help other young children understand the changes and challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.
What makes Noah's achievements event more remarkable is that he himself was diagnosed with dyslexia in P4. Noah knew how difficult it was to navigate word-heavy medical information so he wanted to get this information across in a way kids could truly understand.
Unique illustrations bring Noah's comic to life and it perfectly encapsulates the many feelings he had during this difficult time. Each page details his confusion, anger, empathy, fear and above all the love he has for his family and his determination to support his mum.
Now 13, Noah is planning a second edition to support teenagers facing similar journeys. His drive to help others, even while living through his own challenges, is beyond his years.
Today 07:45 PM
999 Hero Award winner: Constable Stephen Dickson
After losing his brother in a tragic road accident, Stephen has turned his own personal tragedy into purpose through his involvement with the Roadsafe Roadshow and now over 100,000 young people have been educated on the dangers of getting behind the wheel.
Stephen chairs the Lisburn and Castlereagh Road Safety Committee, bringing together community leaders and first responders. He mentors new recruits, working closely with fire services, and youth groups and has appeared on TV and radio to spread road safety awareness.
Stephen is also mentor within the police force, shaping how officers approach collision investigations and engage with grieving families.
As he nears retirement, Stephen leaves a proud legacy of service. He is a powerhouse among the force and a 999 hero in every sense.
Today 07:37 PM
Awards timings
Now if I tell you all the times of the awards, promise me you won't hold me to them, right? These things are always a wee bit behind, you know?
Although we do seem to be remarkably on time so far, to be fair.
8.45pm
999 Hero
Spirit of Youth
Spirit of Health
9.45pm
Community Hero
Young Carer
Environmental Hero
Caring Champion
10.30pm
Spirit of Education
Charity Champion
Spirit of Sport
Unsung Hero
Overcoming Adversity
11.15pm
Special Recognition
Today 07:29 PM
When are the first awards?
Well excuse you, impatient. Let the guests enjoy their pea and pancetta soup...
The first group of awards are coming up after the starters though, slated for 8.45pm. We'll find out the winner of:
999 Hero
Spirit of Youth
Spirit of Health
Today 07:09 PM
Star DJ in the house!
Spinning the decks at the afterparty is the one and only Matthew Horne.... known better to you as Gavin Shipman! Known even better to you as one half of Gavin and Stacey!
Today 07:07 PM
You kept it all in
We've just been treated to a few songs from NI singer Briana Corrigan, formerly of the Beautiful South. That included the hit 1989 track 'You kept it all in'. Just so you don't feel left out at home, here's the original video.
You Keep It All In [Official music video] - The Beautiful South (HD/HQ)
You keep it all in, by The Beautiful South (1989). Music video restored, HQ audio. ℗ Go! Discs Ltd. Lyrics: You know your problem You keep it all in You know your problem You keep it all in That's right The conversation we had last night When all I wanted to do was Knife you in the heart I kept it all in You know your problem You keep it all in You know your problem You keep it all in Midnight, a husband getting ready to fight A daughter sleeps alone with the light Turned on, she hears but keeps it all in Just like that murder in '73 Just like that robbery in '62 With all these things that have happened to me I kept them all in So why do you keep on telling me now? You know your problem You keep it all in You know your problem You keep it all in That's sweet, oh That conversation we had last week When you gagged and bound me up to my seat You're right, I do I keep it all in Just like that murder in '73 Just like that robbery in '62 With all these things that have happened to me I kept them all in I kept it all in I kept it all in I kept it all in I kept it all in I kept it all in Na na na, people I kept it all in I kept it all in Na na na, people I kept it all in Letra: Conoces tu problema Te lo guardas todo Conoces tu problema Te lo guardas todo Es cierto La conversación que tuvimos anoche Cuando todo lo que quería hacer era Acuchillarte en el corazón Me lo guardé todo You know your problem Te lo guardas todo Conoces tu problema Te lo guardas todo Medianoche, un marido preparándose para pelear Una hija duerme sola con la luz Encendida, ella escucha pero se lo guarda todo. Como aquel asesinato del 73 Como aquel robo del 62 Con todas estas cosas que me han pasado Me las guardé todas ¿Y por qué me lo sigues diciendo ahora? Conoces tu problema Te lo guardas todo Conoces tu problema Te lo guardas todo Oh, qué dulce Esa conversación que tuvimos la semana pasada Cuando me amordazaste y ataste a mi asiento Tienes razón, lo hago Me lo guardo todo Al igual que ese asesinato en el 73 Como aquel robo del 62 Con todas estas cosas que me han pasado Me lo guardé todo Lo guardé todo Lo guardé todo Me lo guardé todo Me lo guardé todo Me lo guardé todo Na na na, gente Me lo guardé todo Me lo guardé todo Na na na, gente Me lo guardé todo
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Today 06:47 PM
The night is under way
The Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life's Deputy Editor-In-Chief has said that it's an honour to celebrate the good people in Northern Ireland tonight and said that the stars of the screen that are in attendance are here in order to honour the winners.
Today 06:41 PM
Who's this cheeky chappie?
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