Community awards given to people doing good work in the capital

The Mayor of Douglas says the winners of the council’s community awards are ‘inspiring’.

Councillor Natalie Byron-Teare presented Laurie Ann Shipsides with the Community Champion accolade for her charity work which supports bereaved parents who have lost a child.

Ms Shipsides founded the Heavenly Footprints charity.

She also presented a Young Hero award to teenager Evie Roberts who has been raising awareness about living with a disability on her podcast.

Evie is registered blind and was recognised for her ‘kindness and determination’ to helping people who have disabilities rather than dwell on her own situation.

The runners-up in the Young Hero category were Daisy Bulliment, who grew and cut her hair to raise funds for charity, and Lottie White who raised money by doing a sponsored beach clean.

Mrs Byron-Teare says: "It really was wonderful to meet Lauire Ann, Evie, Daisy and Lottie and their families. They have all inspired others, gone above and beyond and made a hugely positive contribution in a range of different ways. They do not shout from the rooftops and have no expectation of, nor seek recognition.

"Judging such inspirational individuals was a challenging but heartwarming task. Congratulations one and all."