WITH only days to go before we find out who the finalists are in our Community Pride Awards, we take a look at more of the city’s unsung heroes.
Derek Lancaster, of Woodthorpe, in York, has been put forward in the Sporting Hero category for his outstanding contribution to junior cricket in York.
After many years as a successful local cricketer, he continued his involvement with the sport by taking on the role of secretary for York & District Senior Cricket League, Joe Lumb and Lord’s Taverners Competitions Committee.
He also qualified as a coach and is now head coach for the under-nine and under-15 sections of York Cricket Club, as well as running coaching sessions in a number of York schools.
Under his tutelage, the under-15 players have gone on to be crowned Yorkshire and North East champions.
Mark Burn, of York Cricket Club, said: “He has been involved in many days and evenings administrating and coaching for the benefit of hundreds of young cricketers at both York Cricket Club and throughout many York schools and he is deserving of some recognition to reflect the fantastic contribution to the York community.”
Also in the running for the Sporting Hero gong, which is sponsored by York Racecourse, is Action Medical Research’s A Team.
Every April, members of Knavesmire Harriers take on a group of up to 150 novice runners and train them up for the Great North Run in the autumn.
As well as running two to three training sessions a week, the coaches also help the runners to raise money for Action Medical Research.
Since Frank Holden set up the A Team in 1993, they have raised half a million pounds for the charity.
Madeleine Elliott, who nominated them for the award, said: “Those whose lives have been changed for the better in York, both health-wise and in terms of their fitness, will almost certainly agree that they deserve the title of sporting heroes.”
Meanwhile, Macmillan Cancer Support’s head and neck cancer specialists at York Hospital are in the running for the Service With A Smile award.
The team provide support to patients with head and neck cancers by guiding them through treatment options and offering emotional and psychological support.
Roohi Lupton, who nominated them for the award, said: “This role can be very emotionally difficult, yet they work tirelessly to ensure the best interests of the patient always come first, providing exemplary care and support – always with a smile.”
Mrs Lupton has also put forward Debbie Wardle, Macmillan’s head, neck and thyroid cancer clinical nurse specialist, for the Health Service Hero gong.
She said: “I think her commitment and dedication over the past two years is truly humbling. The patients she deals with have nothing but praise for her.”
Another contender in the Service With A Smile category is Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery, in Elvington, which was nominated by Jack Galvin.
Mr Galvin, who has two daughters attending the nursery, said the staff had given him fantastic support when his partner was ill in hospital.
He said: “They do an amazing job to make everyone feel valued and cared for. The owners and staff are friendly, approachable and always smiling.
“They made get well cards for my partner with my children and even sent one to our home address.
“They went above and beyond what was expected, and for that I am grateful.”
• Entries have now closed for our Community Pride Awards, which we are running in conjunction with City of York Council and Benenden Healthcare Society. The three finalists in each of the categories will be announced in The Press on Friday.
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