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Pride in Mann winners announced
PRIDE in Mann winners collected their awards at a special ceremony on Thursday evening (October 16).
Each of the winners across the campaign's 11 categories - voted for by members of the public - received a glass trophy.
The overall winner of Isle of Man Newspapers/Flybe Pride in Mann Campaign was Laxey resident and world cycling star Mark Cavendish.
>> SOUNDSLIDE: Click here to view photo slideshow and hear Chief Minister Tony Brown's closing speech
>> All pictures are available to view and buy at photostoday.co.uk
Along with his winner's trophy, he received free flights courtesy of Flybe.
Chief Minister Tony Brown spoke at the event, held at the Barrool Suite, Legislative Buildings, Douglas, to congratulate the winners.
A number of invited guests were present for the awards, including members of government and representatives of sporting and young people's organisations.
The winners are listed below - click the links to find out more about their particular story.
Local Hero Bethany Clague
Read her story on page 2
Community Champion Jayne Adams
Read her story on page 2
Good Neighbour Barbara Skinner
Read her story on page 2
Sporting Achievement Mark Cavendish
Read his story on page 3
Performer of the Year Back Door Slam
Read their story on page 3
Manx Cultural Champion Juan Garrett
Read his story on page 3
Spirit of Youth/Schools Toby Young
Read his story on page 4
Service with a Smile Thip Farrington
Read her story on page 4
Emergency & Health Services A&E Department
Read their story on page 4
Environment Dru Leoidsson
Read his story on page 5
Charity & Volunteers Paula Lunt (of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation).
Read her story on page 5
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WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.imLocal 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 1
Pride in Mann winners announced
PAGE 3
Sporting Achievement Mark Cavendish
Performer of the Year Back Door Slam
Manx Cultural Champion Juan Garrett
PAGE 4
Spirit of Youth/Schools Toby Young
Service with a Smile Thip Farrington
Emergency & Health Services A&E Department
PAGE 5
Environment Dru Leoidsson
Charity & Volunteers Paula Lunt (of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation)Sporting achievement and overall winner
CYCLING superstar Mark Cavendish has done much to put the Isle of Man on the map with his four stage wins in the Tour de France in July.
In 2008 he has become the most successful sprinter in the world of road racing, notching up 17 wins.
He won two stages of the Tour de of Italy, three in the Tour of Ireland and now has a career total of 28 wins in less than two years as a professional rider.
This year he also won his second world championship gold medal on the track.
His name was put forward in the campaign by several readers, not just because of his Tour de France exploits, but in response to years of success which have inspired a generation of young riders here hoping to follow is his wheel tracks.
Peter Kennaugh Snr, a coach with the Manx Road Club which Cavendish joined as a youngster, said the cycling star was a great ambassador for his sport and for the Isle of Man.
Ian Brand, secretary of the Isle of Man Cycling Association, said Cavendish promoted a positive image of the Isle of Man to the rest of the world.
Mark Cavendish was also nominated by his proud mum Adele Towns, who runs Adele's Dancewear and Crafts shop in Finch Road, Douglas.
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Performer of the year
BLUES rock sensations Back Door Slam have been flying the Manx flag across America.
Davy Knowles (vocals and guitar), Adam Jones (bass) and Ross Doyle (drums) – who have most recently been wowing audiences as part of the Rock and Rebels tour with Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd – were nominated by their good friend Lenny Conroy, of Triskel Promotions, who has supported their career and even caught up with them in America twice.
He said: 'Back Door Slam deserve this award for making incredible inroads into the music business but more importantly for their undivided professional ambassadorship of the Isle of Man both in their music and their unequalled live performance. Unassuming local heroes too!'
Adam said they all felt 'extremely honoured' to be nominated.
The band have toured across America in support of their debut album Roll Away, playing some of the biggest festivals in the States and some of the best known clubs, receiving rave reviews along the way.
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Manx cultural champion
ALTHOUGH still only in his early 30s, Juan Garrett has been recognised for the masses of time and energy he gives to Manx culture.
Juan, 34, of Prince's Road, Ramsey, is a founder member Shennaghys Jiu youth festival and leader of Ny Fennee dance group, and was nominated by Mike Boulton.
Mike said: 'Together with Rachel Pressley and the late Andrew Hannan, he began the Manx youth festival Shennaghys Jiu 10 years ago and is now its driving force to the extent that it probably wouldn't happen without him.
'Hundreds of young people in the north of the Island have discovered Manx music and dance because of Shennaghys Jiu.'
Juan learnt Manx dancing in the 1980s from Martin Barrow and Mike Boulton, then teachers at Albert Road, a school that has been a stronghold of Manx cultural activities since the days of Leighton Stowell in the 30s.
He continued with his dancing and is said to now rarely miss a Share na Veg or Ny Fennee rehearsal.
Ny Fennee member, Stephanie Naish said: 'He is here every week – even when he broke his leg!
'Juan's very good and patient teaching us new dances – and he's lots of fun. Ny Fennee is like a family'.
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PAGE 1
Pride in Mann winners announced
PAGE 2
Local Hero Bethany Clague
Community Champion Jayne Adams
Good Neighbour Barbara Skinner
PAGE 4
Spirit of Youth/Schools Toby Young
Service with a Smile Thip Farrington
Emergency & Health Services A&E Department
PAGE 5
Environment Dru Leoidsson
Charity & Volunteers Paula Lunt (of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation)Spirit of Youth/Schools
FIVE-year-old Toby Young's resilience in the face of illness was awarded.
Toby was diagnosed with a brain tumour after he woke with a headache in November.
Within hours of medics at Noble's Hospital, Braddan, finding the tumour Toby and his parents Steve and Gill Young, of Ballatessan Meadow, Peel, travelled to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool.
Toby was admitted to the neurosurgical unit, where he endured MRI scans, numerous examinations and painful tests.
Surgery took place to remove a tumour the size of a satsuma.
Toby is still making a recovery, but what has made a lasting impression on his parents and many others beside is the way he has coped.
Mum Gill, who nominated Toby, said: 'He does get tired very easily and is restricted in the activities he can do such as being unable to take part in cycling, football, gymnastics etc but he doesn't complain about this, he just gets on with enjoying the things that he can do.'
Toby is now back at school full time at St John's and has done really well, catching up on all the lessons he missed when he was off.
He does, however, have to travel to Alder Hey every few months for a MRI brain scan to check everything is OK as there is a small chance that another tumour may grow.
'The scans are frightening for him but again he gets on with it and looks forward to a trip to the Disney Store afterwards,' Gill said.
'Throughout all of this, Toby remains a really happy little boy, full of fun and is back to getting up to lots of mischief with his little brother Matthew.
'His resilience has been unbelievable.'
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Service with a Smile
A CARE assistant from Andreas, Thip Farrington was awarded for continuing to provide service with a smile despite her own difficulties.
Thip, who has lived in the Island for eight years, was nominated for the award by her boss, Mary Barlow, who is care manager at Grove Mount Residential Home, in Ramsey.
Mary said Thip was 'one of the nicest people you could meet', providing service with a smile even when she has problems at home.
'This is a young lady whose husband died about six years ago and was left with a baby to look after,' she said.
'Within our home Thip always gives service with a smile as all our residents will tell you.
'Through everything she has been through she has never let the home or the residents down.
'She is the best care assistant as far as the residents are concerned.
'When she goes on holiday, one of the residents in particular goes into a sulk because she knows she won't see her for a week.'
Thip has worked at the residential home for four years.
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Emergency and health services
STAFF in the accident and emergency unit at Noble's Hospital were awarded for their professional and dedicated work.
A&E healthcare assistant Joanne Standish, 22, nominated the staff describing them as: 'Dedicated, friendly, caring, professional, highly skilled team, who are worthy of recognition,' who were 'committed to delivering the highest standard of accident and emergency care to this Island community'.
Joanne, of Alfred Teare Grove, Willaston, explained she was aware from personal experience of their professionalism, having required life-saving treatment herself.
She said: 'It could have been a bad experience because I was getting treated by my colleagues, but they made it all brilliant. They are a fab team.'
Jenny Hill, sister in charge at A&E, said: 'We are the people looking after everyone — we look after families and friends and colleagues and always strive to be professional.'
Within A&E there are 40 nursing, healthcare assistants and administration staff, plus 10 doctors, working 24/7, 365 days a year.
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PAGE 1
Pride in Mann winners announced
PAGE 2
Local Hero Bethany Clague
Community Champion Jayne Adams
Good Neighbour Barbara Skinner
PAGE 3
Sporting Achievement Mark Cavendish
Performer of the Year Back Door Slam
Manx Cultural Champion Juan Garrett
PAGE 5
Environment Dru Leoidsson
Charity & Volunteers Paula Lunt (of Craig's Heartstrong Foundation)Environment
BEACH cleaning, countryside cleaning and marine conservation are just a few of the good works that led to Dru Leoidsson winning the environment award.
Emma Snowden of the Marine Conservation Society, who nominated him for the environment category, said he was one of their outstanding Beach Watch and Adopt a Beach volunteers.
'He does so much fantastic work for us with all his beach cleans and surveys in the Isle of Man,' she said.
'Without dedicated volunteers like Dru, we wouldn't have information on beach litter that we can use to campaign.
'For example, we can highlight effects of litter on marine wildlife and our beautiful coastlines as well as using beach litter information to run targeted litter campaigns to reduce litter at source.'
Dru said the satisfaction lay not only in cleaning up the countryside and coastline but also in the sense of achievement of the people taking part.
At different times he works with children and also people who have appeared in court and who want to put something back into society.
'I try to get them to do more than just pick up rubbish, I try to introduce them to ideas of ecology as well,' he explained. 'Sometimes parents end up joining in too.'
Remarkably he said his activities have sometimes earned him critical attention.
'I have occasionally had notes posted through my door saying I'm drawing attention to the messy beaches and doing the Island a disservice,' he said.
'But it is a satisfying feeling to do something to sort that out.
'This is an Island community so we are all part of what is going on.'
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Charity and volunteers
PAULA Lunt has been recognised for setting up Craig's Heartstrong Foundation after her son Craig, 25, died suddenly from a heart defect neither he nor his parents knew he had.
Following the talented footballer's death in April 2005, Paula battled through grief and depression — and the terrible knowledge that she had passed on a defective gene to her son — to start up a foundation to try to stop other families going through the same nightmare.
Craig's Heartstrong Foundation has since raised a staggering 200,000 to pay for young sportsmen and women to have their hearts screened for defects.
Two screening clinics have so far been held in the Island, which have tested nearly 1,000 young people — and found a number of heart conditions that have previously been undetected. At least one young man owes his life to the charity.
Paula was nominated for a Pride in Mann award by her sister Collette Cox, who revealed Paula suffers from a genetic heart condition herself.
Paula, 50, who was diagnosed with Long QT just days after her son's death, now suffers blackouts and hearing loss as a result of the condition.
Nominating her sister for an award in the charity and volunteers category, Collette, of Willowbank Gardens, Braddan, said: 'My sister lost her beautiful son very suddenly and through her loss started the foundation so no other mother is in the place she is in.
'Although she has the Long QT she works so hard for the charity and never, ever complains about her condition.
'We are so proud of what she has accomplished.'
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PAGE 1
Pride in Mann winners announced
PAGE 2
Local Hero Bethany Clague
Community Champion Jayne Adams
Good Neighbour Barbara Skinner
PAGE 3
Sporting Achievement Mark Cavendish
Performer of the Year Back Door Slam
Manx Cultural Champion Juan Garrett
PAGE 4
Spirit of Youth/Schools Toby Young
Service with a Smile Thip Farrington
Emergency & Health Services A&E Department
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