The Borough's community champions are honoured with Civic Awards

Outstanding people from the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees have been honoured by the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Ross Patterson, for their inspirational work and selfless acts. 

The Mayor's Civic Awards shine a light on the Borough's community champions, whose kindness and empathy inspire others and make Stockton-on-Tees a great place to live.

At the Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday (May 24), Councillor Patterson's final engagement as Mayor was to celebrate the winners of the seven award categories.

Councillor Patterson said: "It was an honour to present the winners with their awards and their remarkable contributions have improved many lives across the Borough.

"They're great examples of the community spirit which runs through our Borough and it was an absolute pleasure to shine a light on these exceptional people, whose kindness truly makes a difference." 

Young Person Award, Felicity Hide

11-year-old Felicity volunteers with the Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPAD) Ingleby Barwick Fund, which provides defibrillators to the Ingleby Barwick area. To raise awareness of the fund, Felicity has created promotional materials, hosted fundraising stalls, and participated in public speaking events and sponsored cycle rides.

Service to the Community, Ann McCabe

Volunteer Ann has supported the University Hospital of North Tees for more than 20 years, welcoming new volunteers and helping patients thrive during their stays on the wards. Ann has raised £13,000 through jumble and plant sales to thank Ward 24 for the high quality of care they offered her husband.

Service to the Community - Group/Organisation, The Volunteer Drivers Service team

The Volunteer Drivers Service team transport patients home after hospital stays. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the 25 drivers collected medication for patients, reducing infection risks on hospital grounds. Today, they continue to support the welfare of our communities, reducing patient anxiety with a safe and reliable transport service.

Service to the Community - Business, Scott Bros

Haulage and recycling company Scott Bros work with local schools, charities and organisations to help the community. The team provide support in many ways, from sponsoring local sports teams to offering a skip to local autism charity Daisy Chain, free of charge, so the organisation can rebuild after a break-in.

Health and Wellbeing Award, Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie

Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 31. Lisa underwent surgery but was told the cancer had spread. The doctors estimated a 50 per cent chance of survival after further treatment. With the support of medical professionals, Lisa fought off the illness, got the all-clear, and rebuilt her life. She has now raised more than £55,000 for Cancer Research UK, the Butterwick Hospice, and the James Cook Holistic Centre.

Green Award - Julie Harrison

Julie teaches STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Climate Action to students across the Tees Valley. She has presented lectures on Climate Action at the new Teesworks site and at Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form for International Women's Day. Julie hopes to exhibit student work at Billingham's Festival of Thrift and is planning to organise an event for local engineers and organisations to discuss the Borough's engineering history with the added context of a greener brighter future.

Carer/Foster Carer Award (joint winners)

Malcolm and Shelley Atherton

Malcolm and Shelley have dedicated their lives to fostering for 30 years and have supported many children in short-term, long-term and parent and child placements. Malcolm and Shelley establish clear communication channels with children in their care to provide safe spaces and support through difficult times.

Stephen and Leanne Cuthbert

Leanne and Stephen became carers for their six-year-old nephew in June 2020. They have maintained a high standard of care for their nephew, who has complex health needs and epilepsy. They balance looking after their nephew with their own children, who see the little boy as a sibling.  While providing a loving home they place a special focus on family time with his mother so he can lead a happy and healthy life.

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