The Proud of Barnsley celebration night attracted a sell-out crowd of almost 550 people to the Barnsley Metrodome.

In all, 20 awards were handed out, recognising the achievements of volunteers, community groups, charity fundraisers and campaigners from across the borough.

There was also special recognition for local boxer Callum Simpson who received the inaugural Sporting Icon award after winning the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight title in the summer.

YOUNG SUPERSTAR

Winner - Freddie Davies

Freddie, 14, shaved his head in solidarity with his mother who was undergoing cancer treatment and raised more than £2,500 for the hospital’s chemotherapy ward in the process.

Judge’s remarks: Everyone was touched by the bond between Freddie and his mum. A clear winner in both the public vote and in the eyes of the judges…

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Winner - Hoyland Springwood Primary

The primary school has received praise from parents and the local community for its commitment to supporting all students, regardless of their individual needs.

Judges’ remarks: A difficult category to pick a winner as all finalists have been making great strides. But the infectious enthusiasm of the head and teaching staff was what clinched it for Hoyland Springwood.

CHILDREN’S CHAMPION

Winner - Ron and Barbara Cooper

Retired couple Ron and Barbara Cooper have been running playgroups for over 15 years, providing a valuable service to families in Gawber.

Judges’ remarks: Ron and Barbara have made a big difference to the lives of young children and their families for many years. Their commitment and dedication just had to be acknowledged…

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT

Winner - Imogen Wolff

Silkstone Common cyclist Imogen Wolff has signed with leading professional Dutch team, Visma Lease A Bike, after winning three world championship medals this year. This includes two golds on the track.

Judges’ remarks: The judges are convinced that Imogen will go on to achieve outstanding success in her sporting career. A future Olympian, no doubt…

- Imogen was unable to attend the presentation night as she was attending a training camp in Spain but her proud mum, Emma, collected the award for her.

THE MAYOR OF BARNSLEY’S AWARD

Winner - Trisha Wilson

Mayor’s remarks: This year, the award goes to an individual who has contributed significantly to the Worsbrough area and enriched the lives of many residents through their efforts and dedication.

EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Winner - Clare Hackett-Eager

Grieving mother Clare gained 50,000 signatures as part of her petition to raise awareness and funds for Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that claimed the life of her son.

Judges’ remarks: The fact that there were four finalists in this category shows just how tough it was to pick a winner. But Clare’s determination to do something positive as a result of her son’s sad death was moving, uplifting and inspirational…

CARER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Joseph David

Through his company Crossroads, Joseph has been caring for carers providing the support that in-home carers need to continue doing their work.

Judges’ remarks: As well as being the winner of the public vote, numerous people sent in their own testimonies about how Joseph had been there for them when they didn’t know who else they could turn to for help in their hour of need.

FUNDRAISING TEAM

Winner - Eaden’s Bar

Owner of Eaden’s Bar, Mia Eaden, has used connections from her father, former Barnsley FC player Nicky Eaden, to raise nearly £10,000 for local charities through a series of events featuring former football players.

Judges’ remarks: Another difficult category as all three finalists had raised lots of money for very worthy causes. Eaden’s Bar shaded it as its regulars had helped such a wide variety of organisations.

COMMUNITY HERO

Winner - Rachael Addy

Rachael recently conquered her fear of flying by completing a skydive to raise money for the residents of Deangate Care Home, where she works as care home activities coordinator and is seen by residents as a real-life superhero.

Judges’ remarks: Rachael’s undeniable enthusiasm for helping the residents at the care home where she works – and also the wider community – really shone through.

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Winner - Autism Allotments

Run by Michael and Paul Atwal-Brice, the loving dads of autistic twins, the allotment provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals with additional needs.

Judges’ remarks: These dedicated winners personified what the Love Where You Live Award is all about. They really have galvanised an entire community into taking communal pride in their neighbourhood and created something to be proud of.

ANN MOFFATT MEMORIAL AWARD

Winner - The family of Ann Moffatt

Sponsors’ remarks: We just wanted Ann’s family to know that we wanted to say thank you for supporting her, cause she supported all of us. Ann’s name is mentioned regularly and the family needs to know that. Ann’s name is not forgotten and we’ve all got such fond memories of her.

GREEN HERO

Winner - Trans Pennine Trail

The 370-mile trail, run by only three people out of Barnsley Council, received countless nominations for its accessibility and community engagement.

Judges’ remarks: The team worked incredibly hard to maintain an exciting, enjoyable and sustainable route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. Recognition for the hard work they do is long overdue…

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Jordan Bunney

Jordan has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including litter picking, park maintenance and local government engagement.

Judges’ remarks: Everyone speaks so highly of Jordan, praising his willingness to do absolutely anything that needs doing. Whatever the weather, his hand is always the first to go up when a volunteer is needed.

CHARITY FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR

Winner - Amanda Glover

When her daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Amanda went above and beyond to make sure all young people whose lives have been destroyed by the disease feel supported.

Judges’ remarks: The clear winner in the public vote and an inspirational story about Amanda’s determination that some good should come from her daughter’s cancer diagnosis.

SPORTING ICON

Winner - Callum Simpson

Judges’ remarks: The judges felt that one athlete’s achievements – and the fact that he has quickly established himself as one of the boxing world’s real rising stars with a shot at a world title surely on the cards for 2025 – had to be recognised at this year’s awards…

CHARITY GROUP

Winner - Grassroots Sports Academy

Grassroots offers a variety of programmes, including summer camps for children and community outreach initiatives in support of their goal to make sports accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or abilities.

Judges’ remarks: The academy is carrying out really commendable work in the community. Its Fundamental Fitness programme will make a real difference to the lives of elderly people across the borough.

TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY

Winner - Caroline Buckle, Brynn Westwood, Frank Senior, Bev Farnsworth and Lisa Chapman

Frank Senior

When a stroke stole his ability to speak, Frank found a way to overcome his communication difficulties by developing his own technology-based solutions.

Caroline Buckle

Caroline, a veteran who was medically discharged after suffering injuries that left her disabled, has now been selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.

Brynn Westwood

The community of Royston has rallied around Brynn, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy leaving him only able to move his fingers and hold his head up, yet still volunteers at a local community centre where brings joy to the lives of others.

Bev Farnsworth and Lisa Chapman

When Bev feared she may lose her life due to a kidney disorder, an old friend came to her rescue and offered to take part in a life-saving transplant. Now the two have taken on multiple charity challenges, including the Yorkshire Three Peaks, to ensure those in a similar situation find hope.

Judges’ remarks: Choosing an outright winner in this category was never going to happen no matter how long the judges deliberated. The public vote was so tight that even that didn’t offer a barometer of who should win. So it was only right that all the finalists were recognised for their own unique ways of dealing with adversity…

HOSPITAL HERO

Winner - Monica Owen

Monica, a Barnsley Hospital switchboard worker, saved the life of a newborn who had stopped breathing in May after she recognised the signs of jaundice; her quick actions helped the baby recover.

Judges’ remarks: Monica’s calmness in a potential life-or-death situation had to be commended. What happened that day was well out of her comfort zone and she responded calmly and effectively…

COMMUNITY GROUP

Winner - Superjam Tea Party

For ten years, this monthly tea party has been providing a social space for older people in Barnsley, attracting around 100 attendees each month for the entertainment-filled event.

Judges’ remarks: The tightest of all the awards and quite simply any of the finalists would have been very worthy winners. Judges were finally swayed by the impact Superjam has had on hundreds of elderly, often isolated people, in the decade since its launch…

SIR MICHAEL PARKINSON SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Winner - John Kelly

Judges’ remarks: His dedication and teamwork led to the opening of The Lamproom Theatre – The People’s Theatre. It may be one of our town’s best-kept secrets but many of the country’s best-loved acting talents credit John Kelly with having a major influence on their careers.

Warm tributes from Coronation Street stars Antony Cotton and Julie Hesmondalgh have been paid to the latest recipient of the Sir Michael Parkinson Special Recognition Award in the Proud of Barnsley Awards 2024.

John Kelly was honoured for his commitment and dedication to turning his dream of opening a theatre - The Lamproom – into reality.

Other celebrities including Peaky Blinders star Neil Haskell, comedian Leigh Francis, football legend Mick McCarthy and John’s daughter Katherine Kelly also sent video messages congratulating John on his achievement.