2017 YORKSHIRE CHOICE AWARDS
RAISING MONEY FOR THE DANNY JONES DEFIBRILLATOR FUND
THE AWARDS
As many as 500,000 people are living with a heart genetic defect. Singer Lizzie Jones is spearheading a new campaign, The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund in honor of her late husband to raise funds for equipment that could prove the difference between life and death at Rugby League, sports clubs, schools and more across the UK.
THE AWARDS
Congratulations to everyone nominated in 2017, you should all be extremely proud of yourselves.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
Independent Business of the Year 2017
Bramham Pooch Patrol
Bryony has built up a wonderfully successful business, completely from scratch. She is professional whilst not losing the common touch. We all think she does a great job of keeping her customers happy and thinking of new and unusual ways to do this. She is innovative and creative - this can be seen in her business model and how she runs her business.
FINALISTS
BABY BRIGHT SPARKS
SNIPER FITNESS BOOTCAMPS
TRADES HUB
Business Woman of the Year 2017
Janine Burley, My Baby Can Dance
Janine used her many years of dance teaching experience coupled with her parenting skills of 4 young daughters to create a programme of learning through fun and activity with My Baby Can Dance. Janine is a fabulously ambitious individual, however never at the expense of others. A caring and conscientious leader, always on hand to support her staff, and Franchise holders alike.
FINALISTS
CAROLE TAYLOR, EQUINE PATHWAYS UK
ELLIE MACDONALD, MACCOMMS (YORKSHIRE)
LINDSEY MCENROE, TRUE YOU SKIN CLINICS
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Business Man of the Year 2017
Jason Richards, Yorkshire Trike Tours
Jason set up Yorkshire Trike Tours with his wife Judith in 2013 after selling Jason's successful IT business. He was in his 50 and wanted a new adventure. He wanted to combine their love of riding trikes with his passion for the Dales. Since then they have created over 30 different tours across the Yorkshire Dales, including a Le Tour legacy and Calendar Girls Revival Tour.
FINALISTS
CRAIG WILKINSON, TRADES HUB
DANIEL LEE MOTTRAM, WHITE STAR SECURITY
TONY WATSON, FIRST DIRECT ARENA
Charitable Business of the Year 2017
The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund has proven to make the difference between life and death. Launched from heartache in 2015 after losing her husband Danny, who suffered a cardiac arrest when playing rugby. Defibrillators cost £1,000 and the charity helps clubs throughout Yorkshire.
The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund
FINALISTS
BASH, BRIGHOUSE
PDSA, LEEDS
THE SNOWDROP PROJECT, SHEFFIELD
Customer Service Award 2017
Solberg Hall, Northallerton
Weddings are a crucial part of why Solberge Hall’s employees go above and beyond, but it is not the only string to its bow. Its regular business, as a hotel, exemplifies this. After staying at Solberge Hall, guests are asked to fill out an independent survey run by JudgeServ and 88.3% say they had a positive experience.
FINALISTS
LACE & CO. WAKEFIELD
PREGO, BRIGHOUSE
VJW HOLISTIC THERAPIES, HUDDERSFIELD
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Yorkshire Media Personality of the Year 2017
Duncan Wood
Duncan Wood started his career as a reporter for a local evening paper straight from school before writing for the nationals then moved into broadcasting in the late eighties. After seven successful years as North Of England Correspondent and part-time presenter for GMTV he joined the Calendar news team in May 2003. Duncan says he loves working at Calendar because it is like an extended family. Everyone looks after each other and wants to make the best possible programme for the viewers.
FINALISTS
JOHN KENEALY, WAKEFIELD EXPRESS
LIZZIE JONES, THE DANNY JONES DEFIBRILLATOR FUND
MARK O'BRIEN, MADE IN LEEDS TV
Inspirational Individual of the Year 2017
Steven Robinson
Steve came from quite a deprived background, which for many people would have limited their life chances, and then to compound this he lost his right arm in a motocross accident at the age of 18. His could have been a life story with a very unfortunate ending, however, he has turned out to be the most amazing and inspirational person I know. A story of great accomplishment, Steven has set out to conquer his fears in the most astounding ways. Once afraid of horses he is now a dressage competitor and where he was once afraid of flying he is now a qualified private pilot, who was awarded “The Douglas Bader Memorial Trophy” 2015.
FINALISTS
DR KATE GRANGER, LEEDS
LIZZIE JONES, HALIFAX
LUKE AMBLER, HALIFAX
Local Fundraiser of the Year 2017
Eden Dora Trust, Sheffield
Petrina's daughter Eden was left with ABI following Encephalitis in March 2011. Encephalitis and ABI affects every sufferer differently and is often a silent condition as there may be no obvious physical signs. If an adult has an ABI they are offered rehabilitation, however, for most children their rehabilitation is school…unfortunately, most schools and teaching staff, although usually willing, are not equipped with knowledge of the condition and how to support the complexities of an ABI. Life has changed for Petrina and her family so much through this awful illness and it would be so lovely to give her a hand and help her cause.
FINALISTS
DR KATE GRANGER, LEEDS
EMMA & PHIL MCDONALD, OSSETT
JULIE & ERIC SYKES, WAKEFIELD
Sporting Achievement of the Year 2017
The Brownlee Brothers
Two ordinary men from Yorkshire trying to conquer the world of Triathlon. The Brownlee brothers made history by winning the gold and silver medals in the triathlon at the Rio Olympics. Alistair crossed the finish line first to win gold, just ahead of his brother Jonny who took the silver medal in Rio. Four years ago in London, the brothers became the first British siblings to stand on the podium for the same event at the summer Olympics. Elder brother Alistair won the gold and Jonathan crossed the line third to win bronze in the triathlon event at London 2012.
FINALISTS
HANNAH COCKCROFT, HALIFAX
FEMMES FATALES, LEEDS
RYAN SIDEBOTTOM, WETHERBY
Young Sporting Achievement of the Year 2017
Finlay Smith. Horsforth
Finlay has traveled the length and breadth of England fighting in Thai boxing, collecting titles as he goes. He fought successfully in Thailand and recently fought in Italy winning world championships at his age and weight. A relentless desire to improve and achieve sets Finlay above others of his age, sacrificing his time to train more 3-4 times a week. His is a role model in his school and in his gym at a tender age of 12.
FINALISTS
KIPPAX WELFARE UNER 14S JNR RUGBY LEAGUE
LEWIS ECCLES, DONCASTER
WILLIAM WAINWRIGHT, LEEDS
Young Achiever of the Year 2017
Connor Lynes is an amazing young man. He has had a battle all his life, he lost his dad when he was 1 year old and then lived with his Aunt at the age of 4 when his mum couldn’t cope. At the age of 8, he was hit by a car. Recovery from that took a long time and a lot of physio but eventually, he managed to get back to playing the game of rugby league, which was the game he loved. At the age of 14 playing his beloved game, he suffered an injury which led him to have a number of strokes and still lives with a blood clot in his brain. Unlike most people though, Connor does not let this beat him and he is now dedicated to raising awareness of brain injury and strokes in younger people.
Connor Lynes, Hull
FINALISTS
ALEX ROBERTS, LEEDS
AMBER BUCKLE, LEEDS
AMELIA FLANNAGAN, LEEDS
The Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution 2017
Julie & Eric Sykes. The Samantha Sykes Foundation Trust
After the murder of their daughter Samantha in 2012, Julie and Eric made a promised that they will bring together their communities, to support like-minded people, who believe, as they do, that ALL children deserve an equal chance in life, no matter what their circumstances. With the help of not-for-profit organisations, educational establishments, and the local community, they aim to support these young people through education, mentoring and pastoral care. They aim to inspire these children, to believe in their own self-worth and achieve their full potential in spite of their challenging circumstances.
FINALISTS
HANNAH COCKCROFT, HALIFAX
JIMMY GITTINS, STATE OF MIND CHARITY
THE BROWNLEE BROTHERS, LEEDS
The Yorkshire Choice Special Recognition Award 2017
Chris Pointon #HelloMyNameIs
Since the loss of his beloved wife, Kate Granger (less than a year ago) Chris has carried on her #hellomynameis campaign organising events in her memory, fundraising thousands of pounds taking the campaign to £300,000. He attends charity events, conferences globally giving keynote presentations and handing out awards, like this evenings award The Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution, in Kate's name.
There is a constant reminder, every minute of the day of the loss of his wife but he’s continues to make a difference to others.
Chris finds comfort in campaigning and is humbled by the support he receives.
