Salix Stars finalists announced

Salix Homes has been inundated with nominations forour community awards, which recognise the unsung champions living in our neighbourhoods.

The judges had a tough job choosing the finalists after receiving more than 100 nominations for inspirational individuals and groups who are making a difference across Salford.

Among the finalists are Salford Veterans Breakfast Club, which provides a lifeline for ex-servicemen and women in the city; environmental campaigner Luke Blazejewski, from Broughton, who has cleared two tonnes of rubbish from Salford’s parks and waterways; and inspirational teenager Rosie Heaton,18, who has battled back from meningitis to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The full list of finalists are:

Aim High Star

• Laura Kendall – Ordsall community volunteer
• Letitia Rose – campaigns against the stigma of people on benefits
• John Rainey – good neighbour and community volunteer

Young Rising Star

• Liam Cole – volunteers with the older generation
• Rosie Heaton – charity fundraiser
• Sophie Finnigan – anti-bullying campaigner

Best Green Star

• Seedley and Langworthy in Bloom group
• St Sebastian’s Primary School Gardening Club
• Luke Blazejewski – founder of Clean-up Salford

Shelagh Delaney Creativity Star

• Salford Veterans Breakfast Club
• Everyday Life in Salford photography project
• Natalie Kheirkhah – runs Rainbow Pathways art group for people with mental illness

Spirit of Salford Star

• Simon Williams – author and charity fundraiser
• Jack Fletcher – karate instructor
• Janieve Petruzis – charity fundraiser

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “The Salix Stars Awards are our way of recognising residents who go the extra mile and giving thanks to all those people who work so hard to improve our communities.

“We have been blown away by the standard of nominations this year and it is always so humbling to hear of all the wonderful work that is taking place by lots of people who put others first.

“This year, for the first time ever, all the winners will be chosen by the public, so I’d urge you to vote now for your favourite and help us to recognise these wonderful Salfordians who encompass the real spirit of Salford.”

You can watch a video of all the finalists and vote for your favourite at www.salixhomes.org/starsvote or call 0161 779 8028.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Lowry, Salford Quays, on Friday, November 27.