Wirral Award presented to 11 recipients for their exceptional contribution to the borough

Community volunteers, the founder of a suicide prevention charity, and a local fundraiser who has raised millions for good causes, are among the 11 recipients of this year’s Wirral Awards.

The Wirral Award is given for an outstanding achievement over the previous 12 months, or for distinguished service to the community over a period of 20 years or more.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Cherry Povall JP, thanked this year’s recipients at a special reception in Wallasey town hall on Tuesday evening (4 March), where she presented a Wirral Award to: 

• Linda Colman, who a set up a wheelchair dance class - Hot Wheels - which has been providing classes for wheelchair users in Woodchurch and Hoylake for 23 years.
   
• Lesley Cubbin for her work as Chair of Wallasey Village People, raising money for Christmas lights. Lesley is also secretary of Friends of Harrison Park and organises Wallasey Village traders and the Wallasey Village URC Tuesday Club.
   
• Dan Davies and his company Rockpoint Leisure for the work done to transform Victoria Road in New Brighton.  Dan has financed the scheme and established New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter with shopping, hospitality, live shows, art exhibitions and cultural events.
   
• Gina Doyle who leads Happy Hub CIC, which has been improving the lives of residents on the Noctorum and surrounding areas for more than three years.
   
• Jessica Gallier-Booth who established the Rock Ferry-based Martin Gallier Project after she lost her father to suicide in 2017.  The charity offers support to individuals experiencing suicidal crisis, and training to individuals and groups on suicide intervention.
   
• Maria Kershaw for establishing the Voice of Egremont Residents and Tenants Association in 2012.  Maria has devoted her life to many projects, including the clean-up King Street, Christmas lights and grotto for local families, and establishing a community.
   
• Mr & Mrs Major and Sue Mace for setting up the Black Pearl Pirates and pirate ship as well as the Fairy Village at Vale Park. They also arrange other fund-raising events throughout the year, including for community Christmas lights.
   
• Mandy Molby, for her charitable work for many local charities, helping to raise a staggering £7.5 million over the last 30 years.
   
• Sue Porter for sponsoring local grassroots kids football clubs, including Woodchurch Juniors, St Michaels FC and West Kirby under 7s, where she supplied kits to the whole team.  Sue has also sponsored the European boxing Champion, Letitia McKee.
   
• Margaret Jean Pricefor her caretaking work at New Ferry Village Hall and Windsor Close Community Centre.  Now at 77 years of age Margaret has managed the hall since 1988.
   
• Paul Smith for his efforts as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Age UK Wirral, Chairman of Wirral History and the Heritage Association, where he oversees the annual history fair and  the Wirral programme of Heritage Open Days.

The Mayor said: