YOUR CHAMPIONS: Ryan Hanlon, Abigail Snowden, Ken McDermott, Alan Redford and Calday Grange Grammar School are your 2011 heroes and heroines

Nov 16 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

MEET your Wirral Champions!

Our judges have picked Ryan Hanlon, Abigail Snowden, Ken McDermott, Alan Redford and the staff and pupils of Calday Grange Grammar School as the borough’s 2011 heroes and heroines.

Over the last few months we’ve been asking for your nominations after teaming up with Scottish Power to highlight the good work of a group or individuals. We wanted to find people who have made life just a little better – and our judges decided the five were the pick of the bunch.

Our champs will be honoured at a presentation ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester on Friday – joined by other regional winners in the running for a champion of champions award.

SPORTING CHAMPION: RYAN HANLON

ROCK Ferry student Ryan, 21, was nominated by his mum Tracey for his determination and international sporting achievements. The Liverpool JMU student competed in duathlons since the age of ten. He also coaches youngsters in swimming, cycling and running. In 2009 he was hit by a car while training but battled back to full fitness.

CHAMPION VOLUNTEER: KEN MCDERMOTT

MR McDermott, from Oxton, was nominated for his work with the community and the support he gives older people and carers. He also helped set up the Wirral Older People’s Parliament in 2007. Modest Mr McDermott hoped his win would help raise the profile of his cause.

CHAMPION YOUNG PERSON: ABIGAIL SNOWDEN

THE Prenton schoolgirl saved her mum’s life when she fell into a diabetic coma last December. The nine-year-old rang 999 after finding her mum Carla Livesey, who was three months pregnant, lying on the kitchen floor. The situation was even more dangerous because a pan of boiling oil was on the stove. Carla, who has since given birth to baby Alfie, now 18 weeks old, said: “I don’t think we were expecting anything but she was praised by the school and the police and now this.”

CHAMPION PERSON: ALAN REDFORD

MORETON soldier Mr Redford was nominated by his brother-in-law Ian Brennan for saving his platoon from the Taliban. The 35-year-old Lance Corporal of the Mercian Regiment was awarded the MC. Currently at home working in Army recruitment, he said he was delighted at his latest honour. “At the end of the day, I was just looking after my mates.”

CHAMPION TEAM: CALDAY GRANGE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

CALDAY pupils, staff and school supporters raised £150,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital through a 1,000 mile relay run across the UK and other fundraising events. The event, “LeJog”, was inspired by the bravery of pupil Matthew Cullen, who was treated there for leukaemia.