Latest news with #UnsungHero
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'I could not be happier' - Cumbrian castle employee wins Unsung Hero award
An employee at Muncaster Castle has been recognised with an Unsung Hero award. Hannah Clapp won the award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finals. Her hard work and behind-the-scenes contributions at the castle were celebrated at the ceremony in Brighton. Hannah Clapp with her Unsung Hero award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 finals (Image: Supplied) This national achievement follows Ms Clapp's previous success at the 2024 Cumbria Tourism Awards, where she won the regional Unsung Hero title. She was then able to secure a place in the VisitEngland finals. Ms Clapp, head of experiences at Muncaster Castle, said: "I am absolutely delighted that all the hard work we put in at Muncaster has been recognised at a national level in the tourism Oscars. "I could not be happier. "It is such an exciting time to be at Muncaster and a huge thank you to everyone for their support." The team at Muncaster Castle said they are proud of Hannah's achievement. A spokesperson for the Cumbrian castle said: "Her recognition at this level is a testament not only to her personal commitment but also to the passion and hard work of everyone working to share Muncaster Magic with the world."
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Surfathon raises money for charity project
Surfers have taken to the waves for a 12-hour event on a North Devon beach to raise money for a charity project. Surf therapy charity The Wave Project hosted its Inclusive Surfathon at Croyde beach on Friday to fundraise for its adaptive surfing programme, which provides opportunities for people with physical disabilities to try the sport. During the day instructors and volunteers offered support to surfers. Ian Bennett, inclusive lead at the charity, said there had been a lot of planning for the event and the end result was "amazing". Mr Bennett said more than 30 volunteers had helped about 20 surfers who had visited from across the country during the surfathon. The 2024 BBC South West Unsung Hero award winner added he hoped the event would be a showcase for the importance of the adaptive surfing programme. "It's so difficult to access the ocean for someone with a physical disability", he said. "It's an expensive sport for us to enable more access to more people, but breaking down these barriers and raising that money to help that happen, that's what it's all about." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Boy inspires charity to help others hit the surf 'Nothing stops me,' says surfer with one leg Adaptive surf instructor wins Unsung Hero award The Wave Project
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local custodian recognized as ‘Unsung Hero'
HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN) – Hubbard Exempted Village School District announced Tuesday that a long-time employee is the recent recipient of a state award. Derek Helmick was honored Thursday, May 1, at the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Northeast District Conference, where he received the 'Unsung Hero' award. Helmick, a custodian in the district's maintenance department, has worked for Hubbard Schools for 27 years. He is responsible for overseeing the HVAC systems across the district. The nomination for the award was submitted by fellow staff member Donna Mahoney, who highlighted Helmick's consistent hard work and quiet leadership. 'Derek is the epitome of the unsung hero,' Mahoney said in a provided statement. 'Derek's the quiet force behind the scenes. He prides himself on getting things done correctly. He answers the call to help; holidays, middle of the night, on vacation. He'll be there.' Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown presented Helmick with the award during the conference's Gala event. Brown recognized his contributions to public education and the vital role of school support staff. 'We are incredibly proud of Derek and grateful for his many years of service,' said Superintendent Raymond Soloman. 'He embodies the spirit of an unsung hero, and we're thrilled that his work is being celebrated at the state level.' The Unsung Hero award is given to individuals who make a meaningful impact in their schools without seeking recognition — individuals who go above and beyond every day to ensure schools run smoothly and students thrive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Sporting heroes inducted to North Lanarkshire Hall of Fame
Rab Bannan, Frank Delaney, Rhonda Jones and Colin Shields have been recognised for their contributions to local and national sport. The achievements of four remarkable individuals have been honoured in the North Lanarkshire Sporting Hall of Fame. Rab Bannan, Frank Delaney, Rhonda Jones and Colin Shields have been recognised for their contributions to local and national sport. North Lanarkshire Council set up the Sporting Hall of Fame in 2017, becoming the first local authority in Scotland to formally celebrate local sporting talent in this way. This year's ceremony took place at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the new inductees. Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, praised the inductees, saying that sport is an important part of North Lanarkshire's heritage, helping shape both community identity and spirit. 'Each person's story is a powerful reminder of how sport can inspire, unite and transform lives. We are incredibly proud to mark their achievements,' he added. The late Rab Bannan from Coatbridge dedicated more than 40 years to boxing and youth development at The Barn Boxing Club. He trained world champion Ricky Burns and made a positive impact on many young lives through his commitment to the sport. Rab was named BBC Scotland's Unsung Hero in 2015 and is remembered as a community icon. Speaking at the induction ceremony, Rab's brother, Joseph Bannan, said: 'Rab was passionate about boxing and would have been truly honoured to be included in the Hall of Fame. The family are delighted Rab has been recognised alongside other sporting greats from across the area.' Frank Delaney from Shotts has led Springhill Boxing Club for over 50 years, shaping the lives of countless young athletes. His club has produced top-level competitors and was awarded Scottish Sports Team of the Year in 2014. Frank remains actively involved in the sport as a Board Member of Boxing Scotland. He said: 'Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a huge honour. I have been coaching for almost five decades and I have loved every minute of it. It's very special to me to be recognised for something that I really enjoy doing.' Footballer Rhonda Jones from Newarthill earned 117 caps playing for Scotland's national football team and represented top clubs in the UK and USA. She has played a key role in advancing women's football in Scotland and founded the YAMS mental health charity. She said: 'I'd like to pay tribute to my mum and dad for the support they gave me throughout my time in football and for the sacrifices they made in order that I could have a career in sport. I am delighted that they could join me at the induction ceremony in Ravenscraig.' After a life-changing accident Colin Shields became a pioneering figure in powerchair football. As a player, coach and captain of Scotland's national team, he led with courage and skill. His leadership at his local club in Cumbernauld helped create a safe, inclusive space for players with disabilities. Tragically, Colin passed away a few weeks before the ceremony, but his wife Yvonne and daughters Sophia and Ruby accepted the award. Yvonne said: 'I only found out a few days ago that Colin knew that he was to be inducted into the sporting hall of fame, which is special for us. 'We are all so proud of Colin and his achievements and it's great that his legacy has been recognised in this way.' Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of the Communities Committee, added: 'This year's inductees have given so much — not only through their sporting success but through the positive impact they've had on others – they are true role models.' This year's four inductees join sporting legends such as football manager Sir Matt Busby, world champion snooker player John Higgins, and Scottish and British champion swimmer Nancy Riach. Visitors can explore the North Lanarkshire Sporting Hall of Fame during the centre's regular opening hours. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Celebrating A'town's ‘Unsung Hero'
Arrowtown Preschool head teacher Jane Foster, surrounded by some of her charges, who was last week named Arrowtown Autumn Festival's 2025 Unsung Hero. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Long-serving Arrowtown Community Preschool manager Jane Foster thought she was going for a quiet dinner at the New Orleans last week. Instead, a group of costumed Arrowtown Autumn Festival committee members pounced, and promptly presented her with this year's 'Unsung Hero' award. Foster, who'll retire this year after 36 years with the preschool, says it's "lovely" to be acknowledged, "but it's not why I do it". "It's been a labour of love, and a big part of our lives, really, but when I got home and read all the lovely comments [in support of her nomination] I did get a bit teary." She joined what was Arrowtown Playcentre, established in 1970, in '88, working alongside the likes of Marion Borrell and Susie Walker, stepping into the leadership role when they retired. The committee later decided to break away and form the preschool — initially with 17 young charges — because the playcentre model "wasn't really serving the needs of the community". Foster has overseen the expansion of the preschool to two sites, on Cotter Ave and Durham St, catering to 80 children, and has been a tireless fundraiser, handywoman, lawnmower, leader, and friend. "We're so lucky here, the community are really focused on the quality, and the quality is in your staff and your teachers. They're the best resource the preschool will ever have." Foster feels privileged to belong to a community which takes responsibility for children's learning, and "looking after the preschool". But it's clear the community feels the same about her. As one testimony says, her hard work and dedication keeping the preschool as a "true community hub" — a non-profit organisation where any surplus is reinvested into learning opportunities — is no small feat. And as one of her tiny charges, aged 4, says: "Jane is the best because she loves me and she's kind. "She's mostly doing work, but she's also kind."
