Local Hero BETHANY Clague's show of incredible strength by completing two laps of the Parish Walk route in under 48 hours, earned her an award.
She was nominated in the Pride in Mann campaign by fellow ultra-marathon walker and runner Gareth Evans who was part of her support crew.
'Bethany completed the first ever double Parish Walk despite the challenges of the weather, though course, sore feet and sleep deprivation and all within 48 hours,' he said.
'The initial 85 mile journey around our picturesque Island was repeated immediately after her first finish, testing mind, body and spirit.
'I am proud to know Bethany, and pleased that the confidence this walk has given her is echoed in the proud feeling everyone in the Isle of Man shares in her.'
Bethany was delighted to be nominated for the award. She was also nominated by Richard Payne, of Greeba, who praised her for having 'fantastic determination' and for being an 'example to us all'.
Ernie Runciman, of Onchan, was also one of Bethany's support crew and nominated her for setting a fine example to young people and for raising the profile of the Parish Walk.
Wendy Thirkettle, of Douglas, put Bethany's name forward saying that her achievement had inspired others to follow their dreams.
Bethany's Parish Walk efforts raised more than £5,000 for the Hyperbaric Chamber in Douglas.
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Community Champion JAYNE Adams – a mum who has dedicated her spare time to Willaston School was awarded for her efforts.
Jayne is the school's parent governor, head of the Parent Teachers' Association and is 'involved in every aspect of school life'.
She is at the forefront of fundraising, organising discos, fairs and events for the children.
A statement from Willaston School said of the 49-year-old: 'Jayne supports the children, teachers, administration and management, and understands the need for cohesion of school and community to help Willaston School to grow.
'Jayne is a practical, organised, forward thinker who gets the job done and we are really happy and lucky that she has decided to support our school. The staff and all the children benefit greatly from Jayne's support.
'For all her fantastic efforts in enriching school life, we wholeheartedly agree that Jayne deserves this community award and a big thank you from all of us for all that she has done for Willaston School.'
The mother-of-five first became involved with the school in 1981 when her older children attended there. She took on a more active role in 2000 when her daughter Samantha started at the school. Her daughter Leah is a pupil in year five.
'I think it's important to raise funds for extra things. I don't think about it, I just do it. It's not a lot of work it's just whenever I have spare time in the day I pop into school and see if there's anything I can do,' said Jayne.
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Good Neighbour A BRIDE woman Barbara Skinner's caring nature saw her win an award. The 74-year-old, of Cranstal, was nominated by Sue Anderson – her neighbour for 20 years.
Sue explained all those who live by Barbara have the 'utmost respect for the things she does for them – very quietly, and without asking for thanks, she will just be there when needed'.
She added: 'Although she is a pensioner herself, she still finds time to help her more mature neighbours with their shopping, housework and meals.'
Her friendly and caring personality she is called Aunty by those in the community aged two to 40.
Barbara, who has lived in Bride for 73 years, said there was a strong sense of community in the village and that it was a 'wonderful neighbourhood to live in'.
'We all get on well and help each other,' she said, adding that she was willing to support 'anyone who needs a helping hand'.
Barbara was surprised to be nominated campaign, saying she did not think she deserved it. 'I just do what comes normally,' she said.
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PAGE 1Pride in Mann winners announcedPAGE 3Sporting Achievement Mark Cavendish
Performer of the Year Back Door Slam
Manx Cultural Champion Juan GarrettPAGE 4Spirit of Youth/Schools Toby Young
Service with a Smile Thip Farrington
Emergency & Health Services A&E DepartmentPAGE 5Environment Dru Leoidsson
Charity & Volunteers Paula Lunt (of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation)
