THE Proud of Barnsley presentation night is just ONE week away.
We have been covering the stories of nominees for the last six months or so and next Friday, this year’s winners will finally be revealed in a spectacular night in the Arena at the Barnsley Metrodome.
Already, thousands of you have had had your say in who will win by taking part in our online vote.
You can still take part in this by visiting our website
www.barnsleychronicle.com/voting where you will be able to read more about all our finalists and see short videos telling their stories.
The vote will remain open while Monday night.
The judging panel will meet today to study all the evidence and submissions before making their recommendations.
The results of the public vote and the judges will then be combined to reveal our winners.
Radio presenters and lifelong friends Stephanie Hirst and Steve White will be returning to host this year’s event which will be attended by more than 500 people.
Barnsley Chronicle editor Andrew Harrod said: “Every year, the judges never fail to be impressed by the number and calibre of the nominations that are submitted.
“This year is no exception and the public vote is incredibly close in many of the categories, with only a couple of votes separate all the nominees so it’s safe to say anyone could win any of the awards.
“In some categories, it proved impossible to come up with just a three-strong shortlist as the quality of nominations was so strong so that is why some have four finalists.
“It goes to show that the hard work all our finalists do is noticed, appreciated and valued. That’s what makes Proud of Barnsley so special.”
Here is your guide to all the finalists.
Children’s Champion:
Brent Carlin
Brent Carlin is Design & Technology lead at Trinity Academy St Edward’s. Nominated by a grateful parent for going above and beyond to give his pupils’ opportunities they would never otherwise have, he coached pupils to build Batmobile and Ghostbusters soapbox cars, reaching the final and fastest youth team at the Humber Bridge Derby. Giving up weekends and his Friday nights to run clubs, he inspires teamwork, skills, and confidence.
Jocelyn Egan
Jocelyn Egan has devoted 25 years to Mapplewell Primary starting as a parent helper and now chairing the local committee. Her volunteering started when her eldest son, who is now 33, was an infant school pupil and now her grandchildren attend the school. She has strengthened governance and standards, and champions values for every child. A tireless volunteer, she truly embodies a true Children’s Champion finalist.
JL Dance School
JL DANCE Company, led by Lucy and Joanne Hillen-Tindle, turns passion into opportunity offering inclusive, affordable classes and a safe space for every child. Fresh from winning the 2025 IDTA Musical Theatre teams title, their students thrive on stage and beyond. The nominations reflect their outstanding care, community spirit, and results.
Craig Jenkinson
Craig Jenkinson “Jenks” is the volunteer head coach at B.O.D.Y. Carnegie, and is dedicated to turning an empty gym into a thriving, vibrant, inclusive community of boxers. A 61-fight, multi-title veteran, he gives 30 hours a week, keeps costs minimal, Jenks mentors young people transforming his own adversity into inspiration.
Young Superstar:
Guy Taylor
Guy Taylor turned his mum’s breast cancer diagnosis into motivation. At 11, the Hemingfield mountain biker completed Cycle 300, riding 300 miles and raising £1,780 for Cancer Research UK. His grit, heart, and community spirit earned him a Proud of Barnsley Young Superstar finalist spot.
Mason Coles
Mason Coles is a teenage boxer with a big heart. Despite training seven days a week, Mason has raised over £60,000 for Barnsley Hospice having started his fundraising journey aged just ten. From Yorkshire and National Three Peaks to 24-hour runs and cycles, he tackles these challenges head on and is also a volunteer kids’ coach at Griffin Boxing Club.
Evan Blythe
This heroic teenager sprang into action when a machete-wielding robber stole a pensioner’s handbag. Evan, 15, was on his way for his first day at Netherwood Academy when he got off the bus and saw 80-year-old woman who was using crutches being attacked by a man in broad daylight.
School of the Year:
Mapplewell Primary
Mapplewell Primary School turned a pupil’s health scare into a whole-school mission. Chosen by student vote, they backed Barnsley Hospital Charity smashing a £500 target to raise £5,002 with a Santa Saunter, a LEGO Walk, and staff running the Barnsley 10K. Their heartwarming community spirit also taught its pupils valuable life lessons.
Trinity Academy St Edwards
Trinity Academy St Edward’s started life in a former college building with no playground or PE provision but has quickly established itself as one of the town’s best. A visit from Ofsted inspectors in May 2024 while the school was still at its temporary home, saw it achieve a notable first for the town with Outstanding in all four Ofsted areas. Now in its £25m campus, the school has continued along its path to success.
West Riding
West Riding, the Barnsley satellite of Kenwood Academy, transforms education for neurodiverse pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. For students who’ve been out of school or lost trust, its patient, reflective team rebuilds confidence, re-engages learning, and partners with families. Opened in 2023, it’s restoring futures and is a truly deserving School of the Year finalist.
Hospital Hero:
Lisa Sanderson
Lisa Sanderson is Barnsley Hospital’s lead breast unit nurse and a breast cancer survivor. After gruelling treatment in 2015, she turned courage into action supporting patients, sharing her story through the Living With and Beyond Cancer Programme, and fundraising for the Breast Care Appeal. A compassionate leader and deserving Hospital Hero finalist.
Luke Callaghan
Luke Callaghan has been shortlisted in the Hospital Hero category for the second year running. Driven to give back, the dedicated Barnsley Hospital porter has raised over £4,000 for various hospital appeals by tackling skydives, a shark dive, a LEGO walk and the Barnsley 10K.
Yvonne Moreland
Yvonne Moreland has devoted 19 years to Barnsley Hospital ten with the charity quietly powering appeals from neonatal to dementia and breast care. The only volunteer to serve in every area, she gives full-time hours, guides patients and staff, and helps community groups beyond the hospital.
Jo Bowering
Jo Bowering has cared for Barnsley mums and babies for 40 years, over half of those as a community midwife. She champions marginalised families supporting women with autism, PTSD and addiction. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated selflessness, professionalism, and a deep commitment to supporting others. A warm educator and tireless advocate, Jo is a true Hospital Hero.
The Dickie Bird Sporting Achievement Award:
Worsbrough Cricket Club Women’s team
Worsbrough Bridge Cricket Club Ladies began as post-pandemic taster sessions for fitness and fun. In just a few seasons they became Yorkshire County Champions at Headingley, then swept the indoor treble Division One, play-offs, and county title. With players aged 14 to 60, they embody determination, teamwork, and community pride.
Jenson Young
Jenson Young has turned a breakthrough season into Barnsley pride. The 24-year-old Hemingfield rider raced worldwide with Ribble Outliers winning a UCI World Series round in Wales, becoming the first national gravel TT champion, and smashing the Three Peaks record. A World Championships contender and deserving Sporting Achievement finalist.
Dodworth Miners Rugby League team
Dodworth Miners Rugby League have rocketed through three straight promotions, reaching Division One their highest ever with a core of local lads and a brotherly bond. Reformed in 2019, they’re growing 180 juniors and putting Barnsley on rugby league’s map. Hard work has been rewarded for a core group of local lads.
Triumph Over Adversity:
Hollie Kyle
Hollie Kyle turns her fight with juvenile arthritis into kindness. After treatment at Sheffield Children’s, the 12-year-old launched Hollie’s Gift Appeal donating 300, then 500 gifts, plus fundraising with handmade bracelets. Supported by Barnsley FC and Ant & Dec, she brightens wards and hearts a Proud of Barnsley inspiration.
Gillian Harris
Gillian turned heartbreak into action after her daughter, Elizabeth, died in 2024. She shares their story to raise awareness of alcohol addiction, plans talks with hospital alcohol care teams, and hopes to exhibit Elizabeth’s artwork to spark conversations. Her courage and advocacy help others seek support.
Andrew Hirst
Andrew Hirst is a 36-year-old dad of three who, after a sudden glioblastoma diagnosis, turned hope into action. With community fundraising topping £100,000, he’s pursuing peptide-vaccine treatment in Germany alongside tough chemo to buy precious time with his children. His courage, gratitude, and determination to keep making memories inspire this nomination.
The family of Yvonne Ford
The family of Yvonne, who died of rabies earlier this year, have thrown themselves into charity work and raising awareness of the illness.
Daughter Robyn recently flew out to Cambodia to take part in a charity’s drive to vaccinate more dogs to prevent the spread of the disease and says she knows her mum would be cheering her on.
Charity Group:
BIADS
Founded in 2009 by Linda Pattison after caring for her mum, BIADS is Barnsley’s independent lifeline for people with dementia and their carers offering day care, activity sessions, and a hands-on carer support team. Community-funded and family-spirited, their steadfast support across the borough earns this Proud of Barnsley nomination.
Barnsley Hospital charity
Barnsley Hospital’s Charity tirelessly works hard to raise extra cash to improve the lives of patients, staff and volunteers through a serious of appeals for equipment which conventional NHS funding can’t afford. Barnsley people have always held the hospital close to their hearts, never failing to respond to appeals such as Tiny Hearts and Make A Memory.
Barnsley FC Community Trust
Barnsley FC Community Trust powers the club’s community heart, engaging 10,000-15,000 people each season. From health and education to inclusion, their Team Talk programme supports men’s mental wellbeing, alongside walking football, pickleball and Inclusive Reds. Their impact earns this Proud of Barnsley nomination.
Charity Fundraiser:
Judy Holling
Judy Holling has spent over 40 years supporting Barnsley through fundraising and volunteering. She opened Barnsley Hospice’s Retail Hub in 2020, helps run ‘Grabby Grannies’ and Top O’Doderth Bottom Club, and has helped raise over £50,000 including £43,000 for the Hospice supporting causes and older people.
Nathan Cox
After the sudden passing of his friend Ricky, Nathan Cox set himself a triple challenge running, cycling and walking 33 miles each to match Ricky’s age to support Ricky’s partner Amy and their children, Henri and Maddison. Despite a foot injury and just weeks to train, he raised over £3,600, rallying the community. That grit and heart earn tonight’s nomination.
Stephanie Ellis-Smith
Stephanie, a senior mammographer at Barnsley Hospital, turns compassion into action for the Breast Care Appeal, running the Barnsley 10k twice, racing in the Dragon Boat team and aiming high with a skydive. She also makes legendary flapjacks which have raised almost £1,000 for the hospital as well.
The Milly Johnson Feelgood Award: No shortlist just a video
Community Hero:
Jason Thelwell
Jason Thelwell has been the voice of Barnsley FC for nearly 35 years. From his 1991 debut to announcing Premier League promotion and Wembley play-offs, his voice became part of the club’s identity. As he prepares to retire, we celebrate a lifelong fan whose dedication shaped Saturdays at Oakwell.
Paul Burgin
Paul Burgin turned redundancy into purpose with Age UK Barnsley. More than a handyman, he’s the caretaker, relief driver and emergency fixer who helped grow Men in Sheds and She Sheds warm, creative spaces that fight loneliness. Always on call, always kind, Paul’s dedication makes him a true Community Hero finalist.
Aimee Phillips
Aimee Philips vowed to make Barnsley Pride thrive in memory of her friend, Liam “Tess Tickle” Mills. From pub meet-ups to saving the event with no funding, she’s grown a safe, inclusive celebration, secured lottery backing, and steers it toward charity status leadership that unites Barnsley’s LGBTQ+ community.
Sonja I’Anson
Sonja I’Anson turned a health scare and an unhealthy relationship with food into a life-changing journey. She lost over six stone, conceived her son Albert, and now supports others as a Slimming World consultant. Her courage, honesty, and community spirit help people build healthier habits an inspiring Proud of Barnsley finalist.
Community Group:
Barnsley U3A
Barnsley u3a marks 30 years of volunteer-led learning, friendship, and fun next year. From 30 founder members to the 1,300 or so members today, this amazing community offers a huge variety of activities for hundreds of Barnsley’s retired and semi-retired residents. From belly dancing to gadgets this lifeline builds belonging after work. Nominated for a King’s Award and Proud of Barnsley, they keep retirees active, connected, and thriving.
Frumptarn Guggenband
Frumptarn Guggenband formed in 2003, brings Barnsley’s spirit to stages at home and abroad from Barnsley Live, where they collected with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, to Austria and twin-town Schwabisch Gmund. Their infectious energy, community storytelling, and pride in their roots make them standout Proud of Barnsley finalists.
Barnsley Round Table
Barnsley Round Table has roared back from four members to sixteen turning social energy into community impact. They’re fuelling Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Barnsley bus for three years and donating widely, from the hospice to youth arts, while running the Locke Park bonfire. A hands-on powerhouse and a worthy Proud of Barnsley finalist.
Carer of the Year:
Philip Pickles
72-year-old Philip is the devoted main carer for his wife Joan, who lives with dementia and Parkinson’s. He manages her medication, personal care and social life—BIADS Fridays included—while still supporting the wider family. A quiet, funny, tireless hero.
Val Garner
Val was nominated for her 37 years of ‘caring from the heart’. The Monk Bretton carer, 62, supported Pam Danforth through Alzheimer’s—visiting after hours, chatting for reassurance, pushing her wheelchair to see her husband, and even caring for Pam’s dog, Poppy—giving relative Julie Clark respite.
Maria Robertshaw-Corbett
Despite her own disabilities and caring full-time for her family, Maria volunteers with HOPE—running low-cost cooking courses, check-in calls (even on Christmas Day), and practical help for families. Nominated by Chrissy Meleady MBE, Maria turns personal tragedy into everyday kindness across Barnsley.
Volunteer:
Linda Proctor
Linda Proctor turned a 2022 toy collection into a mission for Barnsley Hospital Charity. Through raffles and community events at Carlton Smithies, she’s raised over £8,000 despite her own health battles connecting neighbours, supporting multiple appeals, and lifting families. A warm, tireless Volunteer of the Year finalist who brings people together.
Winifred Dean
Winnie Dean, 83, is Grimethorpe’s heartbeat. A tireless charity shop voluntee, she’s spent decades helping St Luke’s, organising street parties and galas, and supporting Macmillan and Hallamshire Hospital in memory of her husband. “As long as my legs are working, I’m working,” says this amazing Proud of Barnsley finalist.
Lawrence Handley
Lawrence Handley, 82, has quietly served Barnsley FC for over 40 years from match day tunnels to guiding generations of mascots, rarely missing a game. A joiner-turned-volunteer and lifelong Red, he also shares his woodwork skills with Men in Sheds. Recognition for Laurie’s unsung dedication is long overdue.
Love Where You Live:
Heaven and Ale In The Community
Heaven and Ale in the Community unites Kingstone neighbours at the Agnes Road pub turning chats into action. In a year, 30-40 volunteers revived street planters, brightened the park, and are fundraising for a defibrillator. They truly “love where they live” community spirit on tap.
Friends of Wombwell Park
Friends of Wombwell Park have kept this green heart thriving for 15-plus years. With three founding members still hands-on, volunteers many in their 70s litter-pick every Tuesday, tend beds, and stage the beloved Picnic in the Park for 2,000-plus children’s summer activities. Community pride in action.
Dearne Litterpickers
Angie Randerson, Rachael Perry and Julie Wray former school friends turned daily heroes adopted a litter-picking route across Thurnscoe, placing and replenishing purple bags and keeping streets, parks and paths clean in all weathers. Quietly, without fuss, they inspire pride and neighbours’ thanks.
Worsbrough Tidy Group
Worsbrough Tidy Group are Love Where You Live to the core collecting tens of thousands of litter bags in all weathers, then boosting pride with Worsbrough in Bloom, Worsbrough in Lights, and the ‘Bottles for Benches’ recycling drive. A tireless team keeping streets spotless and community spirit shining.
Charity Fundraising Team:
Wombwell 701 Darts League
This Darts League turns friendly rivalry into real impact. Led by chairman Dick Ormrod and secretary Paul Bates, players bucket-collect after matches raising £80,000 in 12 years. This year alone, 11 charities received £650 each, from Scouts to community gardens.
Ryan Hinchliffe and friends
Ryan Hinchliffe turned his son Freddie’s premature birth into purpose. With a team of friends, he’s tackled the Sheffield Half and Yorkshire Marathon in 20kg vests and the Barnsley 10K pushing a hospital bed dressed in fancy dress nurses’ uniforms raising £11,353 for Barnsley’s neonatal unit and vital awareness. The team shows community spirit, gratitude, and grit.
The Prospect Tavern, Hoyland
The Prospect Tavern in Hoyland run by Melvyn and Lynn Sims has raised over £100,000 in 25 years. This year alone, their community powered a 15-mile coastal walk, garden party, and anniversary fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK, donating £10,000 with no expenses. Truly a small pub with a big heart!
Perrigo
Perrigo has backed Barnsley Hospice since 2009, and this year their ‘charity crew’ hit a remarkable £100,000 raised. From a 100,000-step challenge to glow-in-the-dark Zumba, their energy helps fund specialist care costing £670 per patient per day. A generous, long-term partner and a worthy Proud of Barnsley finalist.
Exceptional Achievement:
Diarmuid Kerrin (pronounced Dear-mid
Dr Diarmuid Kerrin has cared for Barnsley’s children since 2001, treating thousands with compassion and expertise. Recently retired after 25 years, he still returns to run clinics and mentor juniors. A humble advocate for families and colleagues, his dedication makes him a deserving Proud of Barnsley finalist.
Sean Margison
Sean Margison leads health and wellbeing at Barnsley FC Community Trust, running Fit Reds and Reminiscent Reds for people with dementia and those who feel isolated. He builds support beyond sessions even a WhatsApp network and is always there for participants, who call him a friend.
Susan Hill
For nearly 30 years, Susan Hill has been the heartbeat of Thurnscoe’s Rainbow Community Centre keeping it a safe, welcoming hub for all. From children’s activities to groups for older residents and support for vulnerable families, her tireless service inspired Councillor Wendy Cain’s nomination, earning Susan an Exceptional Achievement finalist spot.
