The inspirational people in the running for this year’s Inspire Awards, which recognise people who go the extra mile to offer friendship and support to others, have been revealed.
The shortlist of finalists has been compiled ahead of next week’s Inspire Awards ceremony which will be held at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday November 17, 6.30pm.
Welsh international striker Robert Earnshaw and his Cardiff City team-mate, goalkeeper Tom Heaton will be special guests on the evening.
Now in its third year, the awards scheme is co-ordinated by Cardiff Against Bullying (CAB), Cardiff Council’s anti-bullying team, who work in partnership with schools, charities, the Police, parents and young people to support those experiencing bullying or bullying others. The awards are a fantastic way to say thank you to people who have made a difference and enhanced the lives of a friend, peer, pupil or colleague.
Shortlisted in this year’s 11 to 15-years-old secondary school pupil category are Fitzalan High School’s Sam Hill; Alice Fogarty, Caitlin O’Connor and Ryan Webber of Cathays High School and St Illtyd’s High School student Kelly Harrison.
Gareth Jones of Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr and Alexandra Claridge of Cathays High, who have both helped support younger pupils in their schools, have been shortlisted in the 16 to 18-years-old secondary school pupil category.
Teachers and school staff have a key role in the crackdown on bullying and this year, seven inspirational people have been shortlisted in this category including Sue Gandy from Rumney High, Ysgol Gyfun Plasmawr’s Siriol Burford, last year’s Inspire Award winner, Oakfield primary school teaching assistant Sonia Price, Jackie Dawe of Bryn Celyn, Nina Evans of Radyr Comprehensive School, Jodie Duggan from St Teilo’s High School and Dave Wikeley from the Council’s behaviour support team.
In the community representative category are South Wales Police Inspector Alan Heatley, the Bullies Out team of volunteers and Dave Riddell and Dave Edwards of the Council’s virtual inclusion project.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “Once again I have been thrilled to hear about the fantastic work going on in schools and communities across the city to combat the problem of bullying. This year’s shortlists for the Inspire Awards comprise of very strong candidates in each category. It’s very encouraging to know that there are plenty of people out there who are prepared to stand up and offer a friendly ear or a helping hand to those who are going through difficult times.
“The Inspire Awards are always an enjoyable and informative celebration of good works in the city and we are delighted to have Robert Earnshaw and Tom Heaton as our very special guests this year.”
