Latest news with #PersonalityoftheYear
BBC News
03-05-2025
- BBC News
'Inspiring' Jill Dando good news initiative aims to go global
A good news initiative set up in memory of murdered TV journalist Jill Dando is aiming to "go global". Journalist, presenter and newsreader Jill Dando was murdered outside her London home 26 years ago, but her legacy continues to live on among younger generations of budding journalists. Jill Dando News is a positive news stories platform, founded in Jill's home town of Weston-super-Mare, that now wants to have a global presence after spreading to Malawi. Shane Dean, 52, founder of Jill Dando News said: "Everybody's got a huge determination to take this global." Timeline of Jill Dando's murderJill Dando: The golden girl of TV Jill Dando was one of the highest profile members of on-screen BBC staff and was named the corporation's Personality of the Year in murder remains one of the country's most high-profile unsolved murder cases, with more than 2,000 people having been named as potential is remembered for being the "nations sweetheart" by many. In 2017 two student journalists and Mr Dean, a former journalist, came up with the idea to start Jill Dando News to honour her memory. It grew from a good news initiatives at Priory Community School in Weston-super-Mare and Worle Community School - where Jill had been a Dando News Centres are now in place across 11 schools in Somerset but have now also expanded to include a school in Malawi. Mr Dean, 52, from Weston-super-Mare said: "Everybody's got a huge determination to take this global. "The children want to take this global. We're in Malawi now and I've been talking to schools in America."It is a watch-this-space situation."Mr Dean added that Jill's love of positive stories is inspiring the students, improving their self-confidence as well as working to tackle the "epidemic" of poor mental health among young people. "Instead of young people sat doom scrolling all day long, if we get the help of the government and business leaders I think we could have a day in a few years where the children are sat there scrolling good news stories, or even better, that they're writing them."Jill's legacy has been one of positive journalism," he said. He added that her "courage and determination" to reach the heights of journalism gives hope to all students that they can achieve anything. "She has inspired students with her unbelievable story while at the same time remaining humble."She never changed from being Jill." Nigel Dando, Jill's brother and former BBC journalist, said his sister would be "incredibly proud" of the movement carried out in her O'Gorman, 39, an English teacher at Priory Community School in Weston-super-Mare helped set up a Jill Dando News Centre in Malawi and says the model "can work in any setting, any country"."The legacy and passion of Jill Dando has the power to become international and the model can work in any setting, any country so we want to spread the good news revolution as far as it will go. "We have a strong, dynamic model of how to set up Jill Dando News centres in school or youth club settings which is easy to replicate," she added Mayor John Crockford-Hawley, 78, is a patron of Jill Dando News and said it helped build up students' self confidence. "It is giving confidence to young people not to fear to go and ask and integrate with those who are not just their own age group."He added it was "amazing" how much the student journalists had been able to achieve, including interviewing prime ministers, speaker of the house of commons as well as celebrities like Sir Richard Branson.
Otago Daily Times
22-04-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
North Canterbury community stalwart dies
A North Canterbury man with a passion for his community, rugby and trotting, who overcame many obstacles in his life, has died peacefully. David Keith Rowe's death on Saturday, February 22, came just four days after he was presented with a St John Chancellor's Commendation. It was awarded to David, 71, for his superior contribution, dedication, commitment, and financial support of St John. David was born in Oxford Hospital on November 30, 1953. He was the third child and first son of Lilian and Keith Rowe. Though deemed a fit and healthy baby, the Plunket Nurse recommended he see a specialist about an ''abnormality of spine''. It was suggested David may have suffered a fall, causing his muscle to contract and form a ball, around which is spine grew, causing a hump on his back. He attended Oxford, View Hill and Rangiora Borough primary schools, and Rangiora High School. After finishing school he worked in the office at Transport North Canterbury on High St. David continued to work for Transpac when it took over from TNC in the 1980s. He worked for the receivers when Transpac closed a few years later. When he was 22 he bought himself a yellow mini, which everyone recognised. David lived in Ashley Street for 60 years - 23 at No 41 in the family home, then 37 in his own home at 58B. Due to the abnormality of his spine, he was unable to play rugby, so turned his hand to being a first-aider, attending a lot of games over the decades from the age of 11. At age 28, David was named the North Canterbury Rugby 'Personality of the Year'. It is believed to be the first time the award was given to a non-rugby union member. He was also presented with a life membership to the Rangiora, now Saracens, Rugby Club. In her eulogy, Marie Gray, chairperson of the North Canterbury St John Fellowship, said David's loyalty and commitment was exemplary, attending weekly training, meetings, hours of public duty, and always in uniform. ''His disability didn't allow him to play rugby, but he was able to tend to the injured players.'' He joined the fellowship in May 1994 and was elected treasurer in August 2005, stepping down in August 2016. In 1992 he was promoted to Serving Brother of the Order of St John, now known as member. He was presented with his St John Serving Brother medal by the Governor General Dame Cath Tizard. David also liked to follow the trots and started going to trials as a St John first aider. He progressed to a timekeeper and judge. An accident during a fishing trip in the 1990s affected the movement of his legs. Unable to drive, David continued the work he loved at the horse trials thanks to getting a lift to the track. When he was unable to walk, a friend carried him to his wheelchair. The occupational therapy department at Burwood Hospital helped him remain independent and allowed him to stay in his own home for many years. Over the past 10 years, David found it increasingly difficult to transfer himself from his bed or chair to his wheelchair, so he qualified for home assistance. His sister Bev Ensor says the ''amazing'' carers allowed him to remain in his own home until his level of care increased. He moved into Radius Hawthorne in Ilam in recent years, where he was a popular resident.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Burn wants to give something back'
Dan Burn recently won Personality of the Year at the North East Football Writers' accolade, awarded for his work in the community, recognises Burn's contribution to the region as an ambassador of the Newcastle United at the awards ceremony, he said: "I was probably a little more selfish in my time before and was just desperate to make it as a footballer, and now I am in a position when I should and I want to give back."I enjoy going out and doing it, and it's nice to help the community and all the different projects."It is just nice to go out and do something rather than football."Former Newcastle defender John Anderson appreciates Burn's dedication to giving back to the community he grew up in."To be fair to Dan Burn, he has come through a long, hard road to get to where he is now," he said."He started at the bottom and, through hard work and endeavour, has got to where he is."He is a lad who appreciates everything he has got and he doesn't take it for granted and he wants to give something back."Listen to more on BBC Sounds
Al Etihad
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE President commends Mohammed bin Rashid's initiatives, efforts in advancing nation's progress
5 Mar 2025 00:42 DUBAI (WAM)UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has commended the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his efforts in promoting human values inspired by the principles of Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's remarks came as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was named the first-ever recipient of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award – Personality of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Holy Quran and its reciters both locally and Highness the President presented His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with a special edition of the Mushaf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with a framed photograph of the two leaders with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and a signed letter expressing his appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's dedicated service to the Holy Quran, his efforts in honouring its reciters, publishing copies of the Quran, supporting Quranic competitions, and promoting the Arabic language in their meeting at Sheikh Zayed's farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's role in driving the nation's progress and supporting the development of its people. He described his contributions as a defining feature of the UAE's journey and noted that his humanitarian and cultural initiatives serve as an inspiration for human advancement and those present at the meeting were His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qawain; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; Crown Princes; Deputy Rulers; as well as several Sheikhs, ministers and senior Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has made outstanding contributions to the service of the Holy Quran, most notably through the Dubai International Quran Award, which encompasses several key initiatives, including:• Islamic Personality of the Year Award• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mushaf• Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Quranic Manuscripts• International Quran Competition• Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Quran Competition for Women• Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition• Most Beautiful Recitation Competition• National Quran Memorisation Competition• Quran Memorisation Programme for Inmates in Correctional Facilities in Dubai• Quranic lectures, seminars, and research studies; and• Qira'at (Recitations) teaching programmesAdditionally, he established the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Printing the Holy Quran and has played a leading role in the development of Quranic institutions and inaugural edition of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award was launched by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness the UAE President, reflecting his commitment to supporting the Quran at both local and international levels. The award also reinforces the UAE's dedication to nurturing national talents, supporting those who memorise and recite the Quran, and recognising outstanding global figures in the its inaugural edition, the award comprises three main sections:1. International First Place Quran Award – This section involves preliminary and final rounds based on rigorous criteria, with 10 male and female contestants receiving recognition this year for achieving top positions in international competitions.2. National First Place Quran Award – This section highlights national talents across all emirates. In its 2024 cycle, it included eight subcategories, with 86 participants emerging as winners nationwide. 3. First International Quran Award and Honouring of a Global Quranic Personality – This section honours a distinguished Quranic figure or an outstanding Quranic institution. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Emirates 24/7
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
UAE President commends Mohammed bin Rashid's initiatives, efforts in advancing nation's progress
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has commended the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his efforts in promoting human values inspired by the principles of Islam. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's remarks came as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was named the first-ever recipient of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award – Personality of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Holy Quran and its reciters both locally and globally. His Highness the President presented His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with a special edition of the Mushaf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with a framed photograph of the two leaders with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and a signed letter expressing his appreciation for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's dedicated service to the Holy Quran, his efforts in honouring its reciters, publishing copies of the Quran, supporting Quranic competitions, and promoting the Arabic language in society. During their meeting at Sheikh Zayed's farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's role in driving the nation's progress and supporting the development of its people. He described his contributions as a defining feature of the UAE's journey and noted that his humanitarian and cultural initiatives serve as an inspiration for human advancement and prosperity. Among those present at the meeting were His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qawain; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; Crown Princes; Deputy Rulers; as well as several Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has made outstanding contributions to the service of the Holy Quran, most notably through the Dubai International Quran Award, which encompasses several key initiatives, including: • Islamic Personality of the Year Award • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mushaf • Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Quranic Manuscripts • International Quran Competition • Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Quran Competition for Women • Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Quran Competition • Most Beautiful Recitation Competition • National Quran Memorisation Competition • Quran Memorisation Programme for Inmates in Correctional Facilities in Dubai • Quranic lectures, seminars, and research studies; and • Qira'at (Recitations) teaching programmes Additionally, he established the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Printing the Holy Quran and has played a leading role in the development of Quranic institutions and academies. The inaugural edition of the Emirates International Holy Quran Award was launched by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness the UAE President, reflecting his commitment to supporting the Quran at both local and international levels. The award also reinforces the UAE's dedication to nurturing national talents, supporting those who memorise and recite the Quran, and recognising outstanding global figures in the field. In its inaugural edition, the award comprises three main sections: 1. International First Place Quran Award – This section involves preliminary and final rounds based on rigorous criteria, with 10 male and female contestants receiving recognition this year for achieving top positions in international competitions. 2. National First Place Quran Award – This section highlights national talents across all emirates. In its 2024 cycle, it included eight subcategories, with 86 participants emerging as winners nationwide. 3. First International Quran Award and Honouring of a Global Quranic Personality – This section honours a distinguished Quranic figure or an outstanding Quranic institution. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
