The finalists for the eagerly anticipated Salix Stars Awards 2015 have been announced.
Housing association Salix Homes, which owns 8,500 homes across central Salford, has been inundated with nominations for its community awards, which recognise the unsung champions living in our neighbourhoods.
The judges had a tough job choosing the finalists after receiving more than 100 nominations for inspirational individuals and groups who are making a difference across Salford.
Among the finalists are Salford Veterans Breakfast Club, which provides a lifeline for ex-servicemen and women in the city; environmental campaigner Luke Blazejewski, from Broughton, who has cleared two tonnes of rubbish from Salford’s parks and waterways; and inspirational teenager Rosie Heaton,18, who has battled back from meningitis to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The full list of finalists are:
Aim High Star
Laura Kendall – Ordsall community volunteer
Letitia Rose – campaigns against the stigma of people on benefits
John Rainey – good neighbour and community volunteer
Young Rising Star
Liam Cole – volunteers with the older generation
Rosie Heaton – charity fundraiser
Sophie Finnigan – anti-bullying campaigner
Best Green Star
Seedley and Langworthy in Bloom group
St Sebastian’s Primary School Gardening Club
Luke Blazejewski – founder of Clean-up Salford
Shelagh Delaney Creativity Star
Salford Veterans Breakfast Club
Everyday Life in Salford photography project
Natalie Kheirkhah – runs Rainbow Pathways art group for people with mental illness
Spirit of Salford Star
Simon Williams – author and charity fundraiser
Jack Fletcher – karate instructor
Janieve Petruzis – charity fundraiser
Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The Salix Stars Awards are our way of recognising residents who go the extra mile and giving thanks to all those people who work so hard to improve our communities.
“We have been blown away by the standard of nominations this year and it is always so humbling to hear of all the wonderful work that is taking place by lots of people who put others first.
“This year, for the first time ever, all the winners will be chosen by the public, so I’d urge you to vote now for your favourite and help us to recognise these wonderful Salfordians who encompass the real spirit of Salford.”
You can watch a video of all the finalists and vote for your favourite at www.salixhomes.org/starsvote or call 0161 779 8028.
Pictured: Rosie Heaton.
