Today we profile the three nominees short-listed to the final three in the Services To Charity category. The winner will be revealed at the glittering awards night at Galpharm Stadium next Monday.
FOR two decades Richard Jackson has dedicated his spare time to helping others.
The Golcar man, who leads a lively scout pack, needed to raise some funds so he started Golcar Gala which has taken place for more than 20 years.
He’s also been a driving force behind the Colne Valley Mountain Bike challenge, Brook Motors sports and social committee, and the annual Parkwood Road firework display.
And over the years he’s raised thousands to benefit the community and a host of charities.
Among those to benefit are Leymoor Cricket Club and the 39th Parkwood Scout Group.
Richard was nominated by Christopher Watson, who said: “The first thing you notice about this unique individual is his overall desire to help others without ever seeking an individual recognition.”
And while 65-year-old Richard is backed by a committee, he does much of the spade work himself – in and around his full time job at Brook Motors.
“I’m chuffed to have been nominated,’’ he said. “People do say ‘thank you’ and it means a lot.
“It all started about 20 years ago when the scouts needed to do some fundraising and it’s gone from there.
“It certainly keeps me busy but I’ll keep doing it because it’s for the good of the community.
“I’ve never felt like giving it up.”
As soon as Golcar Gala finishes – organised by a committee of six – Richard sets about organising the Parkwood firework display.
He prepares the 80ft stage and backdrop in the garage of his Golcar home. Plus he’s been a cub scout leader for more than 26 years.
Married to wife Nancy for 40 years, he has two sons, Paul – who also sits on the gala committee – and Graham.
MOTHER Kate Hardcastle started a charity with the aim of promoting other charities which struggle to hit the headlines.
The Charity Dreamgirls have backed causes from Overgate Hospice to the Retail Trust and they’ve managed to generate opportunities for people to read about the causes – without any financial backing.
For Huddersfield-born Kate, it was a idea which grew and grew.
And it’s something she juggles along with a full-time job and being mum to 18-month-old Ny.
Kate and the Charity Dreamgirls were nominated by Charlotte Cody, who said: “The Charity Dreamgirls are proof that a group of driven individuals, against all the odds, can take responsibility within their community and make a difference that has and will continue to change the face of charity across Yorkshire.”
For Kate it’s all about team work – the team of 50 are all volunteers and don’t claim expenses for their efforts.
Kate said: “We pick three charities a year and do what we can to raise awareness of them.
“It can be a real struggle for many charities. During the recession many of them were hit really hard.
“It’s difficult for many charities to get the same level of recognition as five or six of the biggest, but they’re just as valuable.”
This year the Dreamgirls are throwing their weight behind three charities and the local one is Overgate Hospice which provides care to terminally ill people.
They are also backing the Retail Trust, which backs shop workers who lost their jobs in the recession and the Willow Foundation, which provides special events for people aged 16 to 40 who are terminally ill.
Kate added: “There are almost 180,000 charities in the UK and people have heard of about 10 of them on average.
“Many don’t have the resources to hold big fundraising and awareness events because they’re so costly.
“We understand that and we push doors and help them.”
IT takes a lot of strength to turn a personal tragedy into something which benefits others – but Neil and Rachael Salmon have done just that.
After losing their son three-year-old son, Joseph, to pneumonia in 2005 they saw that families need a little extra help during such tragic circumstances.
They formed the Joseph Salmon Trust to help families who have lost children pay for funeral and related costs.
Since the charity was registered in 2008, it has helped 30 families in the Huddersfield, Mirfield and Halifax area, paying out an average of £2,500 to each.
Rachael says Neil is the inspiration behind the charity but the Marsh couple have shown total dedication to helping families grieving over the loss of a child.
Rachael said: "Neil works tirelessly to promote the charity which offers financial support to those who have lost a child.
"He works full-time and is a school governor, active member of our local church and is, of course and not least, a father."
She added: "I don’t feel like I do half as much as he does – he’s really the driving force behind it."
The couple say they don’t do it for thanks, but are heartened when families send cards and raise money to help others after being helped themselves.
Neil said: "I like to think Joseph is looking down on us and pleased with what we’ve achieved, but of course we’d rather have him with us.
"We just want to help other people and are pleased we can do.
"I can’t see either of us ever giving it up. There’s no other charity like it in the country and we couldn’t ever walk away."
THE Pennine Manor Hotel is a friendly, privately-owned hotel located on the edge of the Pennines with panoramic views.
We are an approved venue for civil wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships with two very differently decorated function rooms.
Imagine beamed ceilings, elegant claret and gold Jacobean-style drapes, sparkling chandeliers and rich mahogany panelling and you have the perfect setting for your dream wedding.
Let our chefs demonstrate the full range of their skills in our fully refurbished Hilltop Restaurant.
The hotel has 31 bedrooms all recently refurbished and decorated to a high standard with an emphasis on comfort and that home-from-home feel.
So if you are planning any celebration please come and see for yourself just what we have to offer. And don’t forget we have our own helipad if you really want to arrive in style!
