THERE was barely a dry eye in the house on Friday as our six-month-long quest to highlight the best of Barnsley came to an emotional crescendo.

The first tears at the Rapid Response Proud of Barnsley night at the Metrodome Arena came from the Mayor of Barnsley, Coun Dave Leech, as he announced he was giving his special award to the staff at Athersley North Primary School.

Choking back tears, he told almost 600 people in the audience he had chosen the school for the way it had responded to a tragedy in the summer of 2024 which claimed the lives of six people four from the same family.

He added: “I’m one of the councillors serving the St Helen’s Ward and, in the summer of 2024, our entire community indeed the entire country was left in a state of shock after an horrific road accident that claimed the lives of six people four of them from the same family.

“Shane Roller and Shannen Morgan, along with two of their children Rubie and Lillie died in the crash on Wakefield Road.

“The team at Rubie and Lillie’s school knew they could play a vital part helping the community cope with this unimaginable loss and they did not wait to be asked.

“The school became a hub for the care and support everyone not just the immediate family needed in those dark days.

“And more than a year on, the school is still working hard to ensure the memories of Rubie and Lillie will never be forgotten.

“This dedication is something the family will forever be grateful for.”

The 30-strong team from the school had no idea they had been chosen to receive the award and the arena rose to its feet as the Mayor revealed his winners.

There were other emotional awards too all four finalists in the Triumph Over Adversity category received trophies as the judges and the public vote did not yield a clear winner.

Tireless charity fundraiser Judy Holling was the surprise recipient of the Milly Johnson Feelgood Award and there was another big surprise in store for the family of serving soldier Nathan Cox who won the Charity Fundraiser Award.

Nathan is serving with the British Army and was unable to be there to collect his trophy which was accepted on his behalf by his partner, Libby.

As she went on stage to collect it, the big screens switched to live footage of Nathan at his military base in Kenya.

But as is often the case with Proud of Barnsley, the most emotional award was saved until the end and the Sir Michael Parkinson Special recognition Award went to retiring Barnsley Hospital paediatrician, Dr Diarmuid Kerrin.

Many of his former patients and their families submitted video testimonies about how he had changed or even saved their lives.

Former patient Thomas Murphy said: “Dr Kerrin saved my life because he diagnosed me with cystic fibrosis at just three weeks old.

“He was a great doctor to have not just on a doctor / patient level but on a personal level as well.”

Another warm tribute came from Nicola Williams who said: “My son passed away 17 years ago and Dr Kerrin was the consultant on shift that night.

“I can honestly say that this man will always have a special place in my heart.”

Sandra Ramsbottom added: “We will always be truly thankful to Dr Kerrin. He cared for my daughter Isabella for 17 years from the moment she took her first breath to the day she took her last 17 years of empathy and care. He will always be our hero.”

There were also secretly-filmed messages from his family and friends, including his brother who revealed how he never thought Diarmuid would make it as a doctor after he fainted while watching a hip operation during his training.

Proud of Barnsley 2025 winners

Carer of the Year sponsored by Bernslai Homes

Maria Robertshaw-Corbett

Charity Fundraiser sponsored by GXO

Nathan Cox

Charity Fundraising Team sponsored by Wilmott Dixon

Ryan Hinchliffe and friends

Charity of the Year sponsored by Andel

Barnsley Hospital Charity

Childnre’s Champion sponsored by Barnsley Council

Craig Jenkinson

Community Group sponsored by Rapid Response

Barnsley Round Table

Community Hero sponsored by Barnsley Football Club

Aimee Phillips

Exceptional Achievement sponsored by ASOS

Sean Margison

Hospital Hero sponsored by Barnsley Hospital

Jo Bowering

Lovel Where You Live sponsored by Barnsley Council

Friends of Wombwell Park

School of the Year sponsored by Whites Bakery

Mapplewell Primary School

Sporting Achievement sponsored by BPL

Worsbrough Cricket Club Women's Team

Triumph Over Adversity sponsored by Haywood & Padgett

Hollie Kyle

Gillian Harris

Andrew Hirst

Family of Yvonne Ford

Voluneer of the Year sponsored by Wates

Winifred Dean

Young Superstar sponsored by Barnsley College

Guy Taylor

Mason Coles

Evan Blythe

Milly Johnson Feel Good Award

Judy Holling

The Mayor's Award

Athersley North Primary School

Sir Michael Parkinson Special Recognition Award sponsored by Best Solicitors

Dr Diarmud Kerrin