Winners revealed for Isle’s night of pride

Nine special people are finalists in the Isle’s own glittering charity awards night.
Pride of Isle Awards in Epworth.Pride of Isle Awards in Epworth.
Pride of Isle Awards in Epworth.

The inspirational shortlist, selected by a panel of judges, will be handed awards on January 24 by Epworth’s multi-award winning actress Sheridan Smith, who received an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

A night of tears and joy is promised to attendees at the Westwoodside Pavilion event that will feature food and musical entertainment as part of the ceremony.

The Lex’s Legacy Pride of the Isle Awards were launched last year in memory of the late Alexander Strong of Epworth, who showed astonishing bravery beyond his seven years in the face of a rare form of cancer that ultimately claimed his life.

Each finalist, nominated by one or more people for their award, was selected on merit by the judging panel, who read short submitted accounts of why they were considered worthy.

Final choices include supportive father Steve Hayes, teen cancer victim Ethan Bettany, community kids’ champion Adi Sherwood, courageous transplant patient Lisa Stainton, mum-in-a-million Karen Bettany, community stalwart Julie Reed, brave brain tumour sufferer Rachel Hurst, resilient Kira Yates who has Apert Syndrome, and two-year old Amber Ghag who has leukaemia.

Over all winners will be announced on the night, with one winner and two runners-up to each category, male, female and child.

Pride of the Isle Awards chairwoman Leesa Sharpe said: “Every person nominated is a winner. Anyone whose choice did not get through to the finals this year should please try again next year.”

The Most Inspirational Award will go to mum of three Debs McNaughton, who has battled cancer for over two years. Around 400 people will attend the awards night, that sold out quickly following last year’s amazing success in Epworth. The Torn and Kay Gale will entertain.

Proceeds will benefit Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with any cause within the Isle community that deserves cash aid and charity support.

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